West Bengal Health Department Rescinds Doctors' Transfer Orders Amid Protests

The West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department has rescinded the transfer orders of 42 doctors amid ongoing protests after the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor. Criticisms have emerged against the state government for allegedly targeting protesting doctors.

In a significant move, the West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department has withdrawn the transfer orders of 42 doctors. This action comes in the wake of heightened outrage and protests following the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. At a press conference, Principal Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam emphasized the need to maintain normal healthcare services, citing this as the reason for the decision. 'Considering the current situation, we need to maintain normal services across the board. Therefore, we have decided to cancel these transfer orders for now. Any further decisions regarding this matter will be made in a few days,' stated Nigam.

Nigam elaborated that the transfer process, which is a part of the promotional exercise within the Medical Education Service, had been initiated two months ago and received approval well before the recent incident. 'In West Bengal, the promotional exercise of the Medical Education Service, including routine transfers, is a lengthy process. This process started two months prior to this incident, and the approvals were finalized several days before. However, due to the need for thorough checks, the publication of these orders may have been delayed,' he explained.

The announcement has sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders who allege that the government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is using the transfer orders to intimidate protesting doctors. Amit Malviya of BJP and BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar voiced their concerns on social media, accusing the government of attempting to quell dissent and instill fear among the medical professionals. Malviya called for the resignation of Health Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating, 'Withdrawing the transfer order of over 40 qualified senior doctors within 24 hours is a sinister ploy. The order was issued to target protesting doctors, and instill fear, and has now been withdrawn because it served its intended purpose.' Majumdar added that such tactics would only fuel public anger.

(With inputs from agencies.)