Bankura Medical College HOD Chest Medicine accused of mental harassment, intimidation of junior doctors; panel to probe
Bankura: A senior doctor and Head of the Chest Medicine Department at Bankura Sammilani Medical College, Bankura, is under scrutiny following allegations of mental harassment, obstruction of medical training, and intimidation of junior doctors at the institution.
The junior doctors have alleged that the professor's behaviour and actions have created a toxic work environment at the medical college, making it difficult for them to perform their duties, provide proper patient care and maintain mental peace.
In a written complaint to the State Health Department and the Director of Medical Education (DME), the junior doctors accused the HOD of routinely neglecting patient responsibilities and obstructing their training. They alleged that he rarely visits indoor patients despite the heavy workload and actively prevents junior doctors from fulfilling their duties.
Also read- 4th-Year Medical Student Expelled from WB's Medical College for Using Fake caste Certificate
The complaint further states that the HOD frequently avoided clinical duties, subjected junior doctors to mental harassment, and threatened those who attempted to speak up. One junior doctor allegedly required prolonged psychological therapy after being harassed and threatened by him.
Despite repeatedly raising the issue with the college principal, the doctors claimed that no action was taken. Frustrated, they were forced to launch protests and demand action against the HOD.
The issue gained widespread attention after the complaint letter went viral on social media. In response, the health department ordered an immediate investigation, forming a seven-member committee led by hospital superintendent Dr Arpan Kumar Goswami in this regard. The investigation is currently underway.
However, concerns have been raised over the fairness of the probe. The protesting doctors claim that the HOD, due to his senior position, may influence the outcome. They have demanded that he be removed from his post during the investigation to ensure safety and transparency.
Speaking on this, a third-year postgraduate trainee told India Today TV, "We have informed the principal several times about the mental torture of our departmental head towards the students, but we had to protest and start a movement today because we haven't got justice yet. Starting from personal attacks to threats to ruin our careers, these tortures have gone beyond our tolerance now."
Another postgraduate trainee said, "He doesn’t have the capacity to do things like indoor patient care. He never visits his own patients, even once every six months. Many accidents have also occurred due to his negligence as a department head. The entire department is run by junior doctors. If you go to protest, they will threaten to ruin your career."
The principal of the college, Dr Panchanan Kundu, told the Daily, "A departmental investigation is underway. We have received the complaint and will submit a report very soon."
