11 Shocking Revelations About the RG Kar Hospital Scandal

1. What led to the protests at RG Kar Hospital?

The protests at RG Kar Hospital were sparked by the rape and murder of a 31-year-old female trainee doctor on August 9, 2024. The incident led to widespread outrage and demands for better security and safety measures in hospitals.

2. Who are the junior doctors protesting?

Junior doctors from various medical colleges in Kolkata, including RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, are leading the protests. They have been demanding justice for their colleague and improved security measures in hospitals.

3. What are the doctors' demands?

The junior doctors have listed nine demands, including the removal of the health secretary, NS Nigam, the establishment of a centralized referral system, and the implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system. They also demand the formation of task forces to ensure essential provisions like CCTV cameras, on-call rooms, and washrooms.

4. How did the protests escalate?

The protests escalated when the doctors began a fast unto death on October 5, 2024. Six doctors have started this fast, including Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja, Anustup Mukhopadhyay, Arnab Mukhopadhyay, Pulastha Acharya, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra.

5. What actions have been taken against the accused?

The internal council of RG Kar Medical College has expelled 10 doctors for involvement in ragging, harassment, and creating a culture of fear at the hospital. Additionally, 59 individuals, including interns and students, have been suspended temporarily.

6. Who is Dr. Sandip Ghosh and what is his role in the case?

Dr. Sandip Ghosh was the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. He has been arrested by the CBI in connection with alleged financial irregularities and his role in suppressing the incident of rape and murder.

7. What is the status of the CBI investigation?

The CBI investigation into the rape and murder case is ongoing. The agency has arrested several individuals, including Dr. Ghosh and a civilian volunteer with Kolkata Police, Sanjoy Roy. The CBI has also taken into custody another doctor, Ashish Pandey, who is accused of running a 'sex racket' at the hospital.

8. How have the protests affected hospital operations?

The protests have led to a significant disruption in hospital operations. Junior doctors resumed their indefinite strike on October 1, 2024, demanding better security measures and criticizing the slow-paced CBI investigation.

9. What is the reaction from the government?

The West Bengal government has been under pressure from the opposition and civil society activists to address the demands of the junior doctors. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has held review meetings with principals and heads of medical colleges, but the protests continue.

10. How has the community reacted to the incident?

The community has reacted with widespread outrage and support for the protesting doctors. A bust installed at the hospital to honor the victim has sparked a row, with many calling it 'disgusting' and 'disrespectful' to the woman's memory.

11. What are the next steps in the investigation?

The CBI continues to investigate the case, with several arrests and interrogations underway. The agency is also investigating whether any of the expelled doctors had a role in the rape and murder of the woman medic.