Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government issued an order transferring 42 professors and doctors across various medical colleges and hospitals in the state on August 16. This comes amid nationwide protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. While administration sources have described the move as routine, it has sparked controversy.
WB government faces backlash over transfers
On August 16, 2024, an official notification announced the appointment and transfer of 42 medical professionals within the West Bengal Medical Education Service (WB-MES). Dr. Sangeeta Paul and Dr. Supriya Das were previously posted at RG Kar Medical College.
Despite ongoing protests, the timing of the transfers has drawn sharp criticism from doctors’ associations and the opposition BJP, who view it as an attempt to intimidate senior healthcare professionals.
Protesters question timing of transfers
The United Doctors Front Association criticized the transfer order, calling it a punishment for those involved in the protests. In a post on X, they said, ‘We condemn the unfair transfer of faculty who supported our protest.’ These punitive measures will not silence our demands for justice and security. We stand united and resolute in our fight.’
Protesting doctors at RG Kar Medical College noted that some transferred doctors were part of their movement but were unsure if the transfers were directly related to the protest.
Opposition slams TMC over doctor transfers
The opposition BJP criticized Mamata Banerjee’s government for the transfers. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the TMC for its ‘dictatorial’ mindset. He accused the government of targeting those seeking justice instead of the actual perpetrators.
BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya accused the state of trying to ‘scare’ senior doctors amid protests. He said the transfers targeted Medical College Kolkata and Calcutta National Medical College, key protest sites.
TMC Responds to Allegations
In response, TMC leaders denied the allegations, accusing their political opponents of creating a false narrative. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh argued that the accused in the RG Kar incident had been arrested within 12 hours and dismissed the claims as an attempt to create unrest.
Administration sources reiterated that the transfers were part of a routine process, unrelated to the protests. The incident has triggered nationwide protests, with junior doctors and medical students across cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad demanding swift justice.
