RG Kar Protest Leaders Allege Arbitrary Transfers to Remote Postings

Three junior doctors from Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, who were prominent figures in the protests following the August 2024 rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee, have alleged that their recent transfers to remote district hospitals are arbitrary and punitive.

The doctors—Dr. Debashis Haldar, Dr. Aniket Mahato, and Dr. Asfaqullah Naiya—were initially posted in February 2025 to Howrah, Hooghly, and Kolkata, respectively, based on the state's merit-based counselling process. However, on May 26, they received transfer orders to Gajol Sub-Divisional Hospital in Malda, Purulia Medical College, and Raiganj Medical College in North Dinajpur.

The doctors say that these transfers bypass the established counselling system, which allocates postings based on merit and available vacancies. They argue that such actions undermine the transparency and fairness of the process.

In response to the transfers, the three doctors and their colleagues initiated a protest outside the office of Principal Health Secretary N.S. Nigam. Despite their presence, Nigam exited the building without addressing their concerns, stating only that any issues should be communicated in writing.

The transfers have sparked criticism from various medical associations, including the Association of Health Service Doctors, the Service Doctors Forum, and the Medical Service Centre. They have publicly condemned the transfers, calling them an attack on democratic rights and an attempt to silence doctors who raise their Voices. These organizations have expressed support for the affected doctors and have raised concerns about the potential implications for medical professionals who engage in activism.

The situation has also drawn attention to previous actions taken against medical professionals involved in the RG Kar protests. In March 2025, the West Bengal government demoted and transferred Dr. Subarna Goswami, a leader in the protest movement, to a different position. The affected doctors have submitted formal appeals and are awaiting a response from the state health department.

The controversy continues to unfold as the medical community and public monitor the developments related to the treatment of doctors advocating for systemic changes in the healthcare sector. They have demanded immediate reinstatement to the original postings and a transparent review of the transfer policy.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)