NEW DELHI: Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the recently dismissed principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, has been branded as a “very corrupt person” by his former colleague, Akhtar Ali, the ex-deputy superintendent of the facility. Ghosh’s tenure has come under intense scrutiny following the horrific discovery of a trainee post-graduate doctor who was found raped and murdered within the hospital premises.
Ali’s accusations paint a grim picture of Ghosh’s conduct while serving at the prestigious medical college. According to Ali, Ghosh was deeply entrenched in corrupt practices, including deliberately failing students and demanding bribes for various administrative functions. “He is a very corrupt person,” Ali told news agency ANI. “He used to fail students arbitrarily, receive a 20% commission on tender orders, and extort money for every task undertaken at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. He even provided alcohol to students at his guest house. His behavior was akin to that of a mafia figure.”
Ali further disclosed that Ghosh’s influence and power were considerable, supported by a formidable security detail. He also revealed that he had lodged a formal complaint against Ghosh in 2023, alleging misconduct. Despite this, Ghosh’s resignation was seemingly a mere formality, as he was swiftly appointed as the principal at National Medical College within eight hours of his resignation from RG Kar Medical College.
The revelations come amidst a wave of public outrage over the tragic death of the post-graduate trainee doctor, whose body was discovered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The victim’s family has alleged rape and murder, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
In response to the scandal, the National Medical Commission (NMC), under the directives of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, has issued an advisory to all medical colleges and institutions. The advisory calls for the development and implementation of robust policies to ensure a safe and secure working environment for both staff and students.
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The case has raised significant concerns about institutional integrity and the safety of medical professionals and students within India’s healthcare system. The allegations against Ghosh, combined with the tragic death of the trainee doctor, have intensified calls for accountability and reform in medical education and administration.
The ongoing investigation into the post-graduate trainee’s death and the broader implications of Ghosh’s alleged misconduct highlight the urgent need for systemic changes in how medical colleges and hospitals are managed. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the victim, while also addressing the systemic issues that allowed such corruption and abuse to fester.
The scandal has sparked a broader conversation about the need for stringent oversight and transparency within India’s medical institutions. It is hoped that the measures recommended by the NMC will help prevent such egregious abuses in the future and restore public trust in the country’s healthcare system.
As this story continues to develop, it underscores the critical importance of addressing both the immediate concerns surrounding the tragic death of the trainee doctor and the broader issues of corruption and mismanagement within the healthcare sector.
