West Bengal Doctors' Forum launches Abhaya Scholarship to Honour Victim's Legacy

Kolkata: In the aftermath of the tragic rape and murder of a female PG trainee doctor at Kolkata's R G Kar Medical College Hospital four months ago, the West Bengal Doctors' Forum (WBDF) has launched the Abhaya Scholarship program to honor the victim’s memory and support the future of healthcare professionals.

WBDF members said that the Abhaya Scholarship Programme was introduced to offer annual scholarships to meritorious students pursuing medical education. Initially, five scholarships will be awarded to students entering medical school (MBBS) and five scholarships will be given to students who have completed Class 10 and aspire to pursue a career in medicine. The organizers stated that they would seek suggestions from various stakeholders to enhance the scope of the program.

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Dr Dasgupta mentioned that he and all other members of the forum had spoken to the parents of the victim regarding the scholarship. He stated that once the legal case is concluded and they are no longer legally restricted from using the victim's name, the intention is to rename the scholarship to reflect the victim's real name rather than 'Abhaya.' This would serve to preserve her memory, provided her parents grant permission.

The selection process of this program will be based on socioeconomic criteria, ensuring that the scholarship supports those who are most in need, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. A selection committee comprising WBDF members, academics, and other stakeholders will oversee the process.

Scholarships will be awarded based on socioeconomic criteria, through a selection process overseen by a committee consisting of WBDF members and other individuals, including academics. The forum stated that, if finances permit, it will try to implement any recommendations made by the committee over the years.