Divided Opinions Among Bengal's Medical Community on Subarna Goswami's Transfer

Synopsis

In West Bengal, the medical community is split over the transfer of senior doctor Subarna Goswami, a key figure in the R. G. Kar movement. Some see it as a vindictive action, while others defend it as routine, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the sector.

Key Takeaways

Subarna Goswami is a prominent figure in the R.G. Kar movement.
His transfer to Darjeeling has sparked internal discord.
Some associations criticize the government, while others defend its actions.
Goswami views the transfer as a demotion.
This marks his eighth transfer under the current regime.

Kolkata, March 22 (NationPress) Internal rifts within the medical community of West Bengal have come to light regarding the relocation of senior physician Subarna Goswami, who emerged as a prominent figure in the protest against the R. G. Kar rape and murder incident last August, to Darjeeling in a lesser position.

On one side, two principal groups representing senior and junior doctors leading the charge on the R.G. Kar case, known as the Joint Platform of Doctors and the West Bengal Doctors' Front, have rallied in support of Goswami, branding his transfer as a malicious act by the state government.

Conversely, two other organizations—the Progressive Health Association and the West Bengal Junior Doctors Association—reportedly comprised of physicians affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress, have defended the health department, asserting that the transfer is standard procedure.

Karabi Baral, secretary of the Progressive Health Association, stated that transfers are a fundamental aspect of government employment and should not be perceived as punitive measures.

“Under the guidance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, there has been a remarkable rise in the number of hospitals and medical colleges. Moreover, arrangements have been made to station specialized doctors in health facilities in remote rural areas. In light of this, such transfers are unavoidable,” Baral remarked.

A member of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Association claimed that those who advocate for vindictive politics are now accusing the state government of such behavior.

Goswami's new role as superintendent of the Darjeeling TB Hospital marks a downgrade from his former position as Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health (DCMOH)-II for East Burdwan district.

Goswami has already articulated his view that the transfer is inherently vindictive, noting that it places him in a role of lesser rank.

“Furthermore, the hospital assigned to me in Darjeeling offers minimal opportunities for work. Rarely do patients get admitted there. This is my eighth transfer under the current Trinamool Congress government, with five of those within the same rank,” Goswami explained.