West Bengal Government Responds to Junior Doctors' Protests by Reassigning Senior Officials at RG Kar Hospital

In response to protests by junior doctors, the West Bengal government has reassigned three senior officials from RG Kar hospital. The junior doctors were protesting against the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee. The state health department asserts that these changes aim for a return to normalcy in healthcare services.

In a significant move on Wednesday, the West Bengal government reassigned three senior officials of RG Kar hospital following sustained protests by junior doctors. These protests were triggered by the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at the state-run health facility.

The former principal of RG Kar hospital, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, was initially moved to Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital but was later relieved from this new role as well, as confirmed by state Health Secretary NS Nigam. The three senior officials have now been directed to various other state-run health facilities.

The Medical Superintendent and Vice Principal of RG Kar hospital, Prof (Dr) Bulbul Mukhopadhyay, has been replaced by Saptarshi Chatterjee, effective immediately. Manas Kumar Bandyopadhyay has been named the new principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, taking over from Suhrita Paul, who will now be the principal of Barasat Government Medical College and Hospital. Additionally, RGKMCH's chest medicine department head Arunabha Datta Chaudhuri has been transferred to Malda Medical College and Hospital.

Speaking to reporters, Health Secretary Nigam stated, "As per demands of the junior doctors, we are bringing in some changes for which we have no objection. We want normalcy to be back and healthcare services to be regularised. Security arrangements have also been enhanced." The junior doctors have been on ceasework since August 9, demanding justice for the deceased postgraduate trainee and the regularisation of healthcare services.

(With inputs from agencies.)