West Bengal Medical Council Issues Show-Cause Notice to Junior Doctor Leader
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Synopsis
Asfakullah Naiya, a prominent junior doctors' activist in Kolkata, faces a show-cause notice from the West Bengal Medical Council over his unauthorized practice as an ENT specialist, highlighting issues of medical ethics and professional qualifications in the wake of a tragic case of a murdered doctor.
Key Takeaways
- Asfakullah Naiya is a key figure in the junior doctors' protests.
- The West Bengal Medical Council issued a notice regarding unauthorized practice.
- Naiya lacks the qualifications to claim ENT specialization.
- Medical misconduct regulations prohibit false claims of specialization.
- Consequences for failing to present documents could be severe.
Kolkata, Jan 16 (NationPress) Asfakullah Naiya, a prominent figure in the junior doctors’ movement protesting against the 2024 rape and murder of a female doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, has received a show-cause notice from the West Bengal Medical Council.
The notice, a copy of which has been obtained by IANS, has been issued following a complaint regarding Naiya's practice as an ENT specialist at a private healthcare facility in the state, despite lacking the requisite qualifications.
In the show-cause notice, Manas Chakraborty, the registrar of the state medical council, emphasized that Naiya's current qualification is merely an M.B.B.S. degree, and he is in the process of pursuing a postgraduate specialization in ENT. Therefore, he cannot rightfully present himself as an ENT surgeon.
According to the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, Chapter -7 (7. MISCONDUCT) point 7.20 -- a physician is prohibited from claiming specialist status without having a recognized qualification in that field. Consequently, no physician is allowed to identify as a specialist or engage in specialist practice unless they possess the appropriate postgraduate degree or diploma. Any misrepresentation of qualifications for personal profit is deemed professional misconduct and may lead to disciplinary measures, as outlined in the notice.
Naiya is also instructed to meet with Chakraborty within seven days of receiving the notice, bringing all relevant documents that justify his claimed 'unauthorized' ENT qualifications.
Furthermore, he has been warned that failure to present the necessary documentation as requested by the registrar may result in disciplinary proceedings against him.
The body of the female doctor was discovered in the seminar hall of R.G. Kar on the morning of August 9, 2024. This incident sparked widespread protests from medical professionals and the general populace, with Naiya emerging as a leading spokesperson. The judgment in the rape and murder trial is expected to be announced on January 18 at a special court in Kolkata.
