Kolkata, 23 October (H.S.) :

West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the low attendance and unauthorized leaves of doctors and administrative officials in state-run hospitals during the festive season. Addressing the issue, the minister convened an emergency meeting on Friday at Swasthya Bhavan, summoning the principals, medical superintendents, vice-principals, assistant superintendents, and sanitation staff of all state medical colleges.

Speaking to reporters prior to the meeting, a visibly displeased Sharadwat Mukherjee questioned the work ethic of the absentee staff. Is it necessary to issue a formal directive just to get people to do their jobs? It is a shameful matter, he stated. Highlighting that government employees are accountable to the public whose taxes fund the system, he emphasized that the health department is an essential emergency service operating 24/7, unhindered by holidays such as Durga Puja, Eid, or Christmas.

The issue of absenteeism came under the spotlight following the recent Chorbagan stampede, which placed an immense burden on Kolkata's hospitals. While specialist medical teams were deployed at major pandals as a precautionary measure, the minister noted a significant lack of staff at the medical facilities, with several individuals taking leave without prior authorization. The situation escalated when a section of junior doctors at Kolkata Medical College publicly questioned why some stampede victims were transferred to private facilities. In response, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari demanded a formal report to ascertain if these doctors had abandoned their designated duties to make what he termed political statements. Regarding this, Sharadwat Mukherjee clarified that monitoring attendance and initiating disciplinary action falls strictly under the jurisdiction of the respective hospital authorities and the Vice-Chancellor of the Health University, not directly under the minister's purview.

The emergency meeting also addressed the critical issue of hospital hygiene, prompted by a recent incident where Member of Parliament Jyotirmay Singh Mahato directly phoned the Health Minister to complain about unsanitary conditions at the Deben Mahato Medical College in Purulia. Consequently, the hospital's principal, vice-principal, and five assistant superintendents were issued show-cause notices.

Sharadwat Mukherjee reiterated that the state does not lack sanitation staff or equipment, warning that strict formal directives will be issued if unauthorized absenteeism and negligence persist.

In response to the minister's remarks, representatives of various doctors' associations pushed back, citing systemic infrastructure issues and manpower deficits. Dr. Koushik Chaki, President of the West Bengal Doctors Forum, acknowledged professional accountability but stressed that medical professionals cannot be forced to work around the clock. A fatigued doctor cannot provide optimal care. They need rest and have social responsibilities. The real solution lies in recruiting an adequate number of doctors, he stated.

Dr. Aniket Mahato, a prominent doctor leader, pointed out that specific duty rosters are prepared during the pujas and attributed the core problem to a severe overall shortage of healthcare workers. Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Manas Gumta of the Association of Health Service Doctors reminded the administration of the life-risking dedication shown by doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. He questioned the administration on the persistent lack of adequate staff, essential medical equipment, and life-saving drugs in emergency departments, asserting that doctors prioritize workplace safety, security, and professional dignity over taking leaves.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh