Kolkata: Concerns Raised Over West Bengal Medical Council’s Conduct

Allegations of Unethical Activities

A social services organization has accused the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) of engaging in “unlawful and unethical activities.” The organization, People for Better Treatment (PBT), has called on the Chief Minister and Health Minister of West Bengal to intervene.

Public Rally and Memorandum Submission

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, PBT organized a public rally in front of the Medical Council office, led by Dr. Kunal Saha, the organization’s President, alongside victims of medical negligence. During this event, PBT submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, Health Minister, and WBMC President, demanding responses to five specific questions aimed at addressing the alleged corruption within the council and ending the “widespread negligent treatment and ethical violations” by certain doctors and private hospitals.

Concerns About Complaint Handling

The memorandum highlighted troubling statistics obtained through RTI responses from WBMC, indicating that over 95% of complaints against doctors were dismissed or resulted in minimal action, such as a mere “warning.” PBT criticized the lack of equitable justice for victims of medical negligence and questioned why WBMC does not conduct investigations into accused doctors in a more fair, impartial, and transparent manner, including video-recording the proceedings for public accountability.

Corruption Allegations Against WBMC

PBT asserted that the WBMC, originally established to regulate medical practice and protect vulnerable patients, has devolved into a “den of corruption.” The organization contended that the council primarily focuses on shielding negligent doctors rather than safeguarding patient welfare.

Issues with Membership and Investigations

The memorandum further alleged that WBMC’s composition violates the Bengal Medical Act of 1914, which allows for a maximum of 25 elected or nominated members. Currently, 77 doctors serve on 15 P&E Committees, many of whom were neither elected nor nominated legally. PBT questioned the legitimacy of investigations carried out by these unelected members against negligent doctors.

Furthermore, several WBMC members are reportedly facing serious criminal charges, including attempts to cause grievous bodily harm. PBT inquired why these individuals are permitted to maintain significant roles within the council and participate in adjudicating complaints of medical negligence.

Delay in Complaint Resolutions

PBT also noted that, despite legal requirements for resolving complaints within six months, numerous cases have languished at WBMC for five to ten years or longer. The organization criticized the secretive nature of WBMC’s investigations, which occur without video documentation and do not permit legal advocates or supporters for complainants. They advocated for a more transparent and fair process for handling complaints against medical professionals.

Call for Immediate Remedial Measures

In light of these allegations, PBT urged the Chief Minister and Health Minister to take immediate action to protect the rights of innocent patients and victims of medical negligence throughout Kolkata and West Bengal.

Statements from Dr. Kunal Saha

In an interview with Medical Dialogues, Dr. Kunal Saha expressed concern for victims who have lost loved ones and are now seeking justice through legal channels. He emphasized the need to halt medical negligence, asserting that this goal is unattainable as long as the Medical Council continues to shield guilty parties. “They want to save corrupt doctors. Until it changes, it [medical negligence] will not stop. People will keep on dying,” Dr. Saha warned.

Collusion Allegations in Healthcare

Additionally, Dr. Saha alleged collusion between private hospitals and doctors aimed at profiting from patients. He described practices where patients are unnecessarily admitted to ICUs for more lucrative treatments, asserting that the government is aware of these violations yet remains inactive.

Related News

In other news, the West Bengal Medical Council recently reinstated the registration of Dr. Santanu Sen.