The invitational meeting of senior and junior doctors, medical students, and health officials organized by the State Grievance Redressal Committee on February 24, 2025, had sparked some anticipation and discussions among civil society. There was a keen interest in what the Honorable Chief Minister, who is also the Health and Police Minister, would say regarding the Abhaya murder case. Many had hoped that the Grievance Redressal Committee would announce positive steps to free medical colleges from corruption, criminal syndicates, and the politics of fear. The spontaneous and ongoing movement by doctors and the general public following Abhaya’s murder had compelled the government to take certain measures, one of which was the formation of this Grievance Redressal Committee. The committee’s chairperson and key members had spent the past month visiting various medical colleges and districts, promising positive changes in the healthcare system. They had also pledged protection from the ringleaders of the culture of threats, naming some of them explicitly.
On February 22, Abhaya Mancha and the Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal, had sent an open letter to the Honorable Chief Minister, outlining the state of healthcare and public expectations.
Now, after the meeting, we would like to discuss our gains and losses.
What Remained Unheard, Unaddressed, and Unfulfilled
Widespread corruption in the Health Department, Medical Council, Health Recruitment Board, Health University, and every healthcare-related institution—including issues related to drugs, medical equipment, waste and cadaver management, exams, recruitment, promotions, and transfers—has been a subject of public discussion. Some cases are even under CBI investigation. Yet, none of this was addressed in the meeting.
Several doctors and even some principals accused in the culture of threats had been subject to recommendations for action by a government-appointed investigative committee. However, the meeting did not discuss the implementation of these recommendations.
The issue of appointing an adequate number of doctors and healthcare workers to ensure proper medical services was ignored.
The crisis of counterfeit and substandard medicines, leading to patient suffering and even deaths, was left unmentioned.
Harassment and intimidation of protesting doctors and common citizens by the Medical Council, police, and administration were not discussed.
Campus democracy, a key demand of the movement, was absent from the discussion.
There was a promise to remove officials who protect and shelter corrupt individuals and threat-mongers (including the Principal Secretary), but this promise was not fulfilled.
The implementation of central referral systems, patient-friendly hospital environments, regular supply of quality medicines and equipment, timely repair of broken medical devices, and other promised improvements were not announced.
There was no explanation as to why the state-level task force formed to address hospital security and other issues remains inactive.
Under public pressure, some of the ringleaders of the threat culture were forced to retreat. However, there are clear attempts to reinstate them in power, and the meeting remained silent on this issue.
Now, Let’s Account for What We Did Receive
A minor reform regarding private practice by government doctors and a financial allowance for BMOHs (which remains negligible compared to similar administrative positions) were announced. The purpose of discussing such administrative decisions at this meeting remains unclear.
A sum of ₹2 crore per college (reportedly for sports and cultural activities) was announced, raising several concerns. If this money is meant to be handed over to student councils or unions, then without proper student elections, handing it to a few nominated/close individuals will only fuel the culture of intimidation and dominance. If the funds are to be used according to the National Medical Commission’s guidelines for building cultural and sports infrastructure, then how did it become a topic of discussion in this meeting? Additionally, without uprooting corruption, this money is likely to be misused.
No concrete security measures were discussed, except for scattered directives and one piece of advice: Brothers should take responsibility for their sisters’ safety. While it is natural for colleagues and classmates to support each other, placing the responsibility of women’s safety on men reflects both an attempt to shirk administrative responsibility and a patriarchal mindset, akin to the Rater Sathi project.
Plans for constructing hostels and quarters or conducting annual discussions with doctors were mentioned. We will wait to see their implementation.
The announcement of an increase in stipends for junior and senior residents, postgraduate, and postdoctoral trainees was made. However, it is worth noting that in West Bengal, doctors’ salaries and stipends are less than half the national average, and senior residents have not had a raise in six years. The Abhaya/Tilotthama movement had never raised stipend hikes as a demand. While increasing stipends is justified, making this announcement in the grievance redressal meeting appears to be a deliberate attempt to weaken the trust between doctors and the public and to divert attention from the larger movement for justice.
In short, this meeting has deeply disappointed us. We have received no satisfactory answers to our questions.
As long as the corrupt-criminal syndicates, nurtured by administrative and political protection, continue to endanger and disrupt the lives of common people in healthcare and beyond, the risk of more Abhayas emerging will remain. Thus, we call for a society free from mafia syndicates and fear. We will continue our legal and street battles for the safety and rights of women, marginalized genders, and all individuals. We will resist all attempts to suppress this movement.
With Regards,
Punyabrata Gun, Manisha Adak, Tamonash Choudhury
Convenors, Abhaya Mancha
