Protests Erupt at North Bengal Medical College over Controversial West Bengal Medical Council Office

According to Millennium Post, the controversy began two months ago when the hospital authorities allocated two rooms in the Super Specialty Block for the WBMC office, reportedly following directives from Kaustav Nayek, the former director of health education. Nayek later inaugurated the office, prompting accusations of undue influence by Dr Sushant Roy, an officer on special duty (OSD) of the North Bengal Public Health Department and former vice president of WBMC, to secure the space.  

Doctors at NBMCH have voiced serious concerns about the council's presence, claiming it has fostered a "threat culture" within the hospital, leading to corruption and intimidation in North Bengal’s healthcare system. They believe the WBMC office's involvement has created an atmosphere of fear, undermining the integrity and professional autonomy of the medical staff. The protest marks an escalating conflict between the hospital's administration and its medical professionals, with many calling for immediate action to restore a sense of safety and fairness within the institution, reports the Daily. 

Dr Swajalkumar Biswas, head of the neurosurgery department supporting the protest stated, “The WBMC is an autonomous organisation. However, its presence here has created an atmosphere of fear, and we will not allow it on our campus.” Dr Swarup Dutta, assistant registrar of the West Bengal Medical Council, defended the office’s establishment. “The office was established for organizational work. Dr Sushanta Roy used to visit the office,” Dr Dutta said.