Jr doctors demand audit of ₹4.5 Crore fund collected in the name of 'Abhaya'

A significant shift in West Bengal's healthcare landscape has emerged with the formation of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Association during a mass convention held by the Junior Doctors Front on Saturday. This new organization has come into existence against the backdrop of serious allegations regarding a 'threat culture' within the junior doctors' community. The Calcutta High Court recently intervened, stating that current members could not be suspended, thereby allowing this new faction to take a stand on pressing issues facing junior doctors.

In their communication with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Association outlined eight specific demands. A primary focus of their demands is the call for a thorough audit of funds reportedly collected under the name 'Abhaya.' Allegations indicate that approximately ₹4.5 crore has been raised, prompting the association to seek transparency regarding the sources and uses of these funds. They are demanding a detailed investigation to clarify how this money was collected and managed, underscoring the need for accountability within the healthcare funding system.

The association's convenors, Shreej Chakraborty and Pranay Maitra, have also raised concerns regarding hospital safety and the overall security framework for healthcare professionals. They urged the state government to implement measures that enhance the safety of doctors and medical staff in light of increasing incidents of violence against them. This call for improved security comes as junior doctors have faced numerous threats and attacks, leading to a climate of fear within the profession.

Additionally, the letter sent to the Chief Secretary highlights the need for a more inclusive structure within the state task force established to oversee medical practices. The association insists that representatives from all medical colleges in West Bengal should be included in this task force to ensure diverse voices are heard in decision-making processes. They are concerned that without this inclusion, the Junior Doctors Front could monopolize representation, which may undermine transparency and fairness in governance.

As the West Bengal Junior Doctors Association takes a firm stance on these issues, their demands reflect broader concerns regarding the governance of junior doctors and the management of funds within the healthcare system. The association's proactive approach to addressing these critical issues emphasizes the urgency for reforms and the necessity of fostering a secure environment for all medical professionals in the state.