On August 10, a day after the tragic discovery of a trainee doctor’s body at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, former Principal Sandip Ghosh issued a directive for urgent repairs and renovations within the institution. This action comes in the wake of a harrowing incident that has shaken the medical community and sparked widespread outrage.
The 31-year-old trainee doctor was found raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The brutal crime has triggered significant protests from healthcare professionals across India, who have voiced concerns over safety and security within medical institutions.
In response to the incident, Sandip Ghosh, who resigned from his position following intense backlash, wrote a letter to the Public Works Department (PWD) requesting immediate action to address deficiencies in the facilities at RG Kar Medical College. The letter, dated August 10, highlights the need for repairs, renovation, and reconstruction of on-duty doctors’ rooms across various departments within the hospital.
“I would like to inform you that there are deficiencies in on-duty doctors’ rooms and separate attached toilets in various departments of RG Kar Hospital,” Ghosh’s letter states. “You are hereby requested to do the needful immediately as per demand of resident doctors of RG Kar Hospital.”
The incident has been mired in further controversy, particularly concerning allegations that reconstruction work was being carried out in the seminar room where the tragedy occurred. A video showing construction work at the hospital went viral, leading to speculation that it depicted the seminar room involved in the crime.
However, the administration later clarified that the video actually showed reconstruction in a different room within the same corridor, not the seminar room where the incident took place. In light of this clarification, the administration decided to halt any further reconstruction activities in the area to avoid further confusion and distress.
The murder of the trainee doctor has underscored critical issues related to workplace safety and security within medical institutions. The response from RG Kar Medical College, including the order for repairs and the clarification of the reconstruction controversy, reflects the heightened scrutiny and demand for improved conditions for healthcare professionals.
The arrest of a civic volunteer, Sanjay Roy, who is affiliated with the Kolkata Police, has added another layer to the unfolding investigation. The case continues to draw attention to the broader issues of safety and the urgent need for systemic changes in safeguarding medical personnel.