Kolkata Hospital Renovation Controversy

The renovation controversy at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata escalated following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor last month. In the aftermath, hospital authorities began renovation work in front of the seminar hall where the incident occurred.

This controversy intensified after a document surfaced, signed by eight individuals. According to the document, dated August 12, a resolution was reached to make alterations to the existing structure to provide basic amenities for the medical staff. The document bore the signatures of three junior doctors and three nursing staff, including Dr. Arunava Dutta Chowdhury, the head of the Chest Medicine department, and the executive engineer posted at RG Kar Hospital.

Following the recovery of the doctor’s body from the seminar room, junior doctors expressed grievances regarding inadequate facilities. Many reported that they had to rely on the seminar hall for rest during night shifts due to the lack of proper rooms for female staff.

Joint inspections took place on August 10 and 12, leading to the decision on necessary changes. Renovation work began on August 13. However, when a video showing the demolition of a wall in front of the seminar hall went viral, fresh allegations emerged against the state administration for allegedly attempting to erase evidence.

Kolkata police immediately halted the construction, asserting that the crime scene remained untouched. Days later, the Calcutta High Court questioned the West Bengal government regarding the “urgency” of the renovation near the seminar hall.

The government’s counsel clarified that “the place of occurrence has not been demolished.”

In the wake of the tragic incident, junior doctors nationwide have staged protests following the rape and murder of their colleague at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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