Safety Lapses in West Bengal Hospitals: A Deadly Oversight

Despite assurances from the West Bengal government to improve security for doctors, inadequate measures have led to the tragic death of a young female doctor. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage and highlighted the persistent safety challenges faced by female medical professionals in India.

Five years ago, the government of West Bengal in India pledged to enhance security for doctors, promising better equipment and female guards at public hospitals. However, these measures were absent at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, where a female doctor was sexually assaulted and killed on Aug. 9, allegedly by a police volunteer.

This homicide has provoked nationwide outrage and a doctors' strike, exposing severe lapses in hospital security. Despite prior assurances, only minimal security measures were in place, according to trainee doctors at the facility. A 2019 government memo, disclosed by Reuters, had outlined planned improvements, but many were stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Riya Bera of R.G. Kar Medical College expressed that the incident could have been prevented with proper security. The West Bengal Health Secretary noted progress since 2021 but acknowledged gaps. Following the tragedy, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a $12 million budget to enhance hospital safety. However, female doctors continue to face significant risks, as highlighted by recent testimonies and rising crime statistics against women in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)