Kolkata’s doctors have raised serious concerns about the unsafe environment at one of West Bengal’s largest medical colleges following the rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Hospital. Spanning 26 acres, the hospital has come under scrutiny for its lack of adequate security measures and facilities, which protesters argue have contributed to a hazardous working environment.
Lack of CCTV Coverage
One of the key issues highlighted by the protesting doctors is the inadequate CCTV coverage within the hospital. They allege that the seminar room in the ’emergency’ building, where the body of the victim was discovered, is devoid of any surveillance cameras. This lack of coverage extends to corridors and wards on the floors, with only the main gate of the building equipped with a CCTV camera. Subhendu Mullick, a senior resident doctor at NRS Hospital who previously worked at RG Kar, criticized the situation: “Most CCTVs you see are non-functional. There is no quick response team.” Efforts to obtain comments from hospital authorities on these allegations were unsuccessful.
Inadequate Facilities for Doctors
Protestors also raised concerns about the lack of proper facilities for doctors. According to junior doctors at RG Kar, the absence of a designated rest area for female doctors has forced them to use the seminar room, which lacks basic amenities like a washroom. An intern at the hospital described the challenges faced during duty hours, noting the insufficient doctor-to-patient ratio and the absence of adequate support: “There’s no one to turn to if someone abuses us. We lack proper washrooms or even a place to change clothes.”
Also read: Doctors At AIIMS Bhopal Protest With Candle March Following Death Of Kolkata Trainee
Night shifts are particularly problematic, with many doctors using the seminar room or sonography room for rest. The inadequate facilities contribute to a stressful and unsafe work environment, particularly for women.
Concerns Over Unauthorized Entry and Touts
The issue of unauthorized entry is another major concern. Doctors have criticized the lack of stringent entry screening, which allows many individuals, including unauthorized personnel and touts, to access the hospital. One doctor highlighted the problem: “Often, one patient comes with 11-12 relatives. Only people with ID cards should be allowed inside the ward. Look at Woodburn Ward of SSKM, where VIPs and politicians stay. They have strict regulations against unauthorized entry.”
There are also allegations of tout rackets involving contractual workers at the hospital, with claims that these individuals have access to every ward and little oversight from the authorities.
Security and Lighting Issues
Security at RG Kar Hospital is a significant concern, particularly during night shifts. Dr. Nihal Saha pointed out the lack of police presence on the hospital floors after dark: “There is no security at all at night on the floor.” While private security is present at the main gate, junior doctors report that this security is absent after 9 pm. The hospital’s expansive premises, coupled with poor lighting in several areas, pose safety risks for staff traversing the grounds after night shifts. “You cannot walk around at night. We all know it’s not safe,” said a junior doctor.
In response to these issues, protesters have called for the strategic deployment of women police officers throughout the hospital to enhance safety and security.
Also read: Kolkata Volunteer Arrested for Rape and Murder of PG Doctor at RG Kar Hospital
