Alleged Criminal Nexus, Corruption: Doctors' Body Seeks Dissolution of West Bengal Medical Council
"We write to express our grave concern over the continued existence of the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC), an institution marred by corruption, criminal investigations, and blatant disregard for legal procedures. Recent revelations have further exposed the perilous state of the Council, underscoring the urgent need for its dissolution," stated the letter.
The doctors' body also noticed that Mr Manas Chakraborty, Registrar of the WBMC was given the position without a valid government order. "This is not only irregular but dangerous, as it has serious legal implications for the medical profession in the state, especially concerning the registration of doctors of modern medicine, whose certificates bear his unauthorized signature," mentioned the letter.
Further, they added the following key points to illustrate the urgency of the matter-
1. Illegal Occupation of the Registrar's Position
The doctors alleged that Mr Chakraborty has allegedly continued to serve as Registrar despite his term expiring over six months ago. They claimed that his continued presence without formal appointment raises questions about the legitimacy of the WBMC’s operations, especially concerning the registration and certification of medical professionals.
"The fact that Mr. Manas Chakraborty has been functioning as Registrar beyond his retirement and only "one extension of six months which has long expired without any formal government appointment casts a shadow over the legitimacy of the Council's operations. His continued occupation of this key post without legal authorization has profound legal implications, especially in matters related to the registration and certification of doctors.
The validity of thousands of registration certificates, signed by an unauthorized individual, is now in serious question. This exposes both doctors and the public to grave legal and medical risks," stated the letter.
2. Compromise of Public Trust and Legal Standing
The letter also raises concerns about the integrity of the Council's legal authority, particularly regarding the renewal of licenses for doctors. "The irregular appointment and actions of the Registrar undermine the Council's legal standing and its ability to function as a legitimate regulatory body. It is deeply concerning that the Department of Health and Family Welfare has allowed such a critical position to be occupied in this manner, jeopardizing the registration process of doctors who are supposed to serve the public with integrity," mentioned the doctors.
3. Corruption and Criminal Nexus
Further, the letter points out a larger web of corruption within the WBMC, with several members reportedly involved in illegal activities. The doctors suggest that these activities have contributed to the degradation of the Council’s functionality and credibility.
"As already mentioned, several members of the WBMC, including the President, are under investigation for illegal activities, with some members having resigned and others being suspended by the Health Department. The illegal tenure of the Registrar is yet another symptom of the corruption and criminal collusion that plagues the WBMC."
4. Legal and Medical Repercussions
The doctors fear that the actions of the unauthorised registrar could lead to widespread legal challenges, with the validity of doctors' registrations potentially contested in court. They argue that this situation threatens both medical professionals and patients in the state.
"The unauthorized actions of the Registrar have cast doubt over the legitimacy of all registration-related processes, and this could have catastrophic consequences for the healthcare system. Doctors may find their registrations challenged in court, and patients may question the qualifications of the medical professionals they rely on. This situation is an immediate threat to both the legal and medical frameworks in West Bengal," reads the letter.
5. Immediate Need for Action
In light of these critical issues, the doctors stated that it would be best for the council to be dissolved without delay. The illegal occupation of the Registrar's chair is symptomatic of the deeper rot within the Council. Only through dissolution and the establishment of a new, transparent, and legally sound body can the state ensure the integrity of the medical profession and protect the public from further harm, said the doctors in the letter.
Calling for immediate action in this matter, the doctors said, "The situation is both a legal and ethical crisis, and continued inaction would only exacerbate the damage already done to the medical profession and public health in West Bengal. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the medical professionals and public at large to ensure that the West Bengal Medical Council is made fully functional as per legal standards as well as ensuring propriety and ethical standards."
