Health dept to crack down on interference in medical exams

Siliguri: The State Health department has issued a stern warning against any external interference in the health system and examinations conducted in medical colleges. Saurav Dutta, chairman of the department’s Grievance and Redressal Cell, emphasised on the strict adherence to departmental guidelines after a meeting at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) on Wednesday.

“No irregularities will be tolerated in the medical examinations. The process will strictly follow the instructions of the Health department and Nabanna,” Dutta declared.

He assured that the Health department is taking steps to eliminate any threats or malpractice in its processes.

When questioned about allegations of influence from the so-called “North Bengal lobby” and “threat culture”, Dutta said: “I have not heard of any such lobby. However, there are always individuals with malicious intentions who attempt to disrupt systems. No such person will ever lead the Health department.”

The state-level Grievance and Redressal Cell has been conducting meetings in all medical colleges to learn about their grievances. A state-wide doctors’ convention will be held on January 24, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to deliver a keynote address. A report will be prepared on these grievances before the convention and will be submitted to the Chief Minister. During the meeting, NBMCH officials raised concerns about the acute shortage of professors in various departments. Dr Sanjay Mallick, Superintendent of NBMCH, said: “We have informed the committee about the shortage of professors and they have assured us that this will be addressed soon.”

The grievance cell members also reviewed complaints regarding the teaching staff and the overall functioning of the hospital and college.

Addressing the maternal death caused by toxic saline at Midnapore Medical College, Dutta defended the junior doctors involved, stating: “We visited Midnapore Medical College immediately after the incident and held discussions with the junior doctors. Our investigation revealed that they were not at fault in this case. This has been conveyed to the authorities.”