Politics

Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh’s remarks on protesting doctors spark controversy

The tension between the Trinamool Congress and the medical community continues to escalate, with both sides standing firm in their positions

PGurus Newsdesk

October 20, 2024

The tension between the Trinamool Congress and the medical community continues to escalate, with both sides standing firm in their positions

Kunal Ghosh faces criticism over statement on protesting doctors

A statement by Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh regarding junior doctors protesting the tragic rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has ignited outrage among the medical community in West Bengal.

Ghosh suggested that party workers compile a list of junior doctors in various districts who he claimed were neglecting their duties. “Many junior doctors at state-run medical colleges are not attending their scheduled hours. They spend only part of their shifts at these institutions before coming to Kolkata for private practice. We need to prepare a list of these doctors for the state government to take appropriate administrative action,” Ghosh stated.

His comments were met with swift backlash from the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF), which is leading the protests. They labeled Ghosh’s remarks as an attempt to distract from the ongoing movement, which has garnered significant public support. “We have long called for infrastructure improvements in state-run medical facilities, including the implementation of a biometric attendance system. This would clearly indicate who is regularly attending and who is not, allowing for proper action to be taken,” a WBJDF representative argued.

Another protesting junior doctor condemned Ghosh’s remarks as an effort to incite public opinion against the demonstrators, calling it part of a broader “threat culture” prevalent in the state’s medical institutions. “Such tactics to shift focus away from our legitimate demands will not succeed,” he asserted.

Manas Gumta, former general secretary of the Association of Health Service Doctors, criticized Ghosh’s interference in what he termed an administrative issue. “He is mistaken if he thinks we will be intimidated,” Gumta added.

As the situation unfolds, the tension between the Trinamool Congress and the medical community continues to escalate, with both sides standing firm in their positions.

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