On this, PBT also submitted a Memorandum to the Chief Minister-Health Minister of the State and WBMC President, demanding answers to 5 specific questions to cleanse the "corrupt medical council and bring an end to the widespread negligent treatment and ethical violations done by the "untouchable" doctors and private hospitals."
In the memorandum, PBT alleged that, as per RTI responses provided by WBMC, more than 95% of the complaints against doctors were dismissed or the negligent doctor went scot-free with a worthless "warning" underscoring the "lack of equitable justice for the victims of medical negligence."
"Why WBMC is not compelled to do investigation of accused doctors in a more fair, impartial and transparent manner with video-record of the entire proceedings for public to see?" the organisation has asked.
The association claimed that while WBMC was established for regulating medical practice and protecting the defenseless patients from the wrath of negligent doctors in the State, over the past four years, "WBMC has turned into a den of corruption as they work primarily to shield their negligent medical colleagues without caring for the lives of the innocent patients."
Apart from the issue of medical negligence, in the memorandum, the organisation alleged other unlawful and unethical activities by the medical council. It pointed out that while there is a provision (under Bengal Medical Act, 1914) for a maximum of only 25 elected or nominated members for WBMC, presently there are 77 doctors (in 15 P&E Committees), and most of these doctor-members were not elected or nominated under any law. "How these unelected/unnominated members are allowed to investigate complaints against negligent doctors?" the organisation questioned.
Further, it highlighted that several WBMC members are still facing trial for serious criminal charges in Bidhannagar Criminal Court including charges for attempting to cause “grievous hurt” and “bodily injury”. In this regard, the association further asked why these members are still being allowed to continue playing major role in WBMC and deciding complaints of "medical negligence".
According to the organisation, even though the law states that complaints of medical/ethical violations against doctors must be decided "within a time limit of 6 months", complaints from countless medical victims are languishing in WBMC for 5-10 years or longer.
Another issue that PBT alleged is that WBMC investigates complaints in the most secretive fashion, without any video/camera recordings and does not allow any advocate or supporter of the complainants. Questioning the reason behind this, the organisation argued that investigation of complaints against doctors must be done in the fairest, honest and most transparent manner.
With these allegations, the organisation urged the Chief Minister-Health Minister to take immediate remedial measures for the sake of millions of innocent patients and victims of medical negligence in Kolkata and across West Bengal.
Speaking to Medical Dialogues, the President of PBT, Dr. Kunal Saha, said, "Several victims lost their loved ones, and they are fighting for justice in the court of law. The goal is to stop medical negligence."
He explained that this goal can never be achieved if the Medical Council keeps protecting those who are guilty. "They want to save corrupt doctors. Until it changes, it [medical negligence] will not stop. People will keep on dying," Dr. Saha added.
Another issue he alleged is the collusion of private hospitals and doctors for the sake of looting money from the patients. "When a patient comes for a check-up, they put the patient in the ICU, which is a far more profitable option. The Government is well aware of this. Still, they [hospitals & doctors] are flouting the norms and the Government is turning a blind eye," he alleged.
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