Category Archives: Health

Health, West Bengal

Expired Saline Linked to Pregnant Woman’s Death at Medinipur Hospital; Health Department Orders Inquiry

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 11, 2025, Kolkata:West Bengal has been rocked by a scandal involving expired saline that allegedly led to the death of a pregnant woman at Medinipur Medical College and Hospital. The deceased, Mamoni Rui Das, 21, gave birth to a baby on Wednesday but her condition rapidly worsened on Thursday after being administered the saline. She was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but tragically succumbed to her condition on Friday. Seven other pregnant women who were also given the same saline are now critically ill and are receiving treatment in the ICU.


The saline in question, Ringer Lactate, was later found to be expired, sparking outrage. Despite the incident, the saline continued to be used in hospitals for several hours. The West Bengal Health Department has since intervened, ordering an immediate inquiry into the matter and calling for the replacement of the existing saline stock with a fresh batch. The department has also demanded a detailed report from the principal of Medinipur Medical College regarding the alleged negligence and an explanation for the stocking of expired saline in the hospital.

In response to the crisis, the health department moved quickly to ban not just Ringer Lactate, but a range of other products from the same company, West Bengal Pharmaceuticals. The company’s products that have been banned include:

Ringer Lactate
Ringer Solution IP Injection
Dextrorose Injection
Mannitol Infusion
Paracetamol Infusion
Ofloxacin
1/2 DNS
Sodium Chloride Irrigation Solution
Pediatric Maintenance Electrolyte Solution

The use of these medications has been halted in hospitals across the state. Efforts are now underway to collect and remove these products from hospital wards.

In the wake of the incident, the hospital authorities have formed a 10-member committee to investigate the cause of the death and the circumstances surrounding the use of expired saline. The health department has also issued a formal ban on saline products manufactured by West Bengal Pharmaceuticals, the company responsible for supplying the contaminated stock.

This latest scandal has drawn attention to the dangers of expired medical products being used in healthcare settings. Last year, similar saline from the same company was linked to the deaths of four individuals in Karnataka. The West Bengal Health Department’s swift response to the crisis underscores the gravity of the situation, as public health safety becomes a key concern for authorities.

Relatives of the affected patients have filed formal complaints with the police, demanding accountability for the negligence that led to the tragic loss of life and critical illnesses. As investigations continue, the health department has promised to take necessary actions to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
Health, West Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee Inaugurates Sevashray Mega Health Camps in Diamond Harbour to Provide Free Healthcare Services

Leave a comment
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 3, 2025, Kolkata – The Sevashray health initiative was officially launched in Diamond Harbour on Thursday, marking a significant step in the region’s healthcare outreach. Abhishek Banerjee, MP and General Secretary of AITMC personally inaugurated the project at the SDO ground, arriving around 9 AM to a warm reception from local administration and grassroots leaders. He was welcomed with an uttariya, a traditional ceremonial garment, before cutting the ribbon and lighting the lamp to signal the commencement of the health camp.


Following the inauguration, Banerjee took a detailed tour of the health camp, inspecting its operations firsthand. He inquired about the specific treatments that would be offered, the availability of doctors, and the logistical details of the camp’s functioning. The MP also focused on ensuring that the camp would have the necessary medical infrastructure and resources, asking thorough questions about the timing of doctor shifts, the treatment protocols, and the overall patient care process.

According to sources, the Sevashray health camps are set to operate for ten days every month in each of the seven assembly constituencies that fall under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat. Each camp will be staffed by at least two specialist doctors, with approximately 800 doctors expected to participate in the initiative. The first phase of the program will roll out in the Diamond Harbour assembly constituency.

Banerjee emphasized that the Sevashray initiative is aimed at providing free healthcare services to the public. The health camps will offer a range of services, including free medicine distribution, diagnostic tests, referral services, and an app-based registration system that will provide real-time updates. These camps will be open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, beginning Thursday, January 3, and will continue until January 11.

Banerjee, in his remarks, stressed the importance of accessible healthcare and the need for such initiatives in underserved regions. He further mentioned plans to visit the health camps in Blocks 1 and 2 of the Diamond Harbour constituency to ensure that the services are being provided effectively. The initiative is expected to benefit a large number of residents in the area, offering essential medical support at no cost to the community.
Health, Politics, West Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee to Launch ‘Sevashray’ Mobile Health Camp in Diamond Harbour on January 2

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, December 29, 2024 : Trinamool Congress All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee is set to inaugurate a major healthcare initiative, Sevashray, in Diamond Harbour on January 2, marking the launch of a mobile hospital project aimed at providing essential health services across his parliamentary constituency. This initiative, which aims to offer free medical care and diagnostics to residents, will kick off with an inaugural ceremony at the SDO Ground in Diamond Harbour.


The Sevashray health camp is the brainchild of Abhishek Banerjee and will run from January 2 to 11 as part of its first phase. The program is designed to benefit the seven assembly constituencies under Banerjee’s jurisdiction, offering mobile healthcare services to thousands of people. The camps will provide a range of medical services, including general medicine, diagnostic tests, and specialty consultations, free of cost.

According to Banerjee, general medicine doctors will be available for seven days in each constituency, while the remaining three days will feature specialized care from super-specialty doctors. In total, there are plans for 40 health camps each day across the constituency, with more than 800 doctors expected to participate in the 75-day program. The camps will feature portable diagnostic tools such as ECG machines and offer services like blood tests. If any health issues are detected, immediate diagnosis and treatment will be provided, along with free medicines.

In addition to healthcare services, the camps will utilize an app-based registration system, providing real-time updates for attendees and a dedicated emergency help desk. This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the local community by making healthcare more accessible, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Abhishek Banerjee’s decision to personally inaugurate the Sevashray initiative has raised questions, as it marks a significant departure from the usual protocol where similar projects are launched by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. While the Chief Minister has inaugurated various welfare programs throughout Bengal, the launch of this mobile health initiative by a Member of Parliament underscores Abhishek Banerjee’s increasing involvement in regional development projects, particularly in his constituency.

This move is likely to enhance his political profile, especially ahead of upcoming elections, as it reflects a direct commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure in his constituency. The Sevashray project aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access and is expected to provide a much-needed boost to public health services in the region.
Health, National

Study finds sleep helps with learning new language

Leave a comment

PTI, December 05, 2024, New Delhi : Getting those eight hours of sleep can have linguistic benefits, according to a study that found it helped adults speak a new language.

    
While one sleeps, the brain is known to integrate or ‘consolidate’ information learnt during the day with previous knowledge to file it for long-term storage.

Researchers, led by those at the University of South Australia, tracked brain activity in 35 native English-speaking adults as they were learning a miniature language called ‘Mini Pinyin’, which is based on Mandarin but has grammatical rules similar to English.

A miniature language is used in scientific experiments for studying aspects related to learning languages.

Mini Pinyin “mimics natural language as it is based on an existing language (Mandarin Chinese) and includes both structure and meaning”, according to a 2020 study published in the journal Behavior Research Methods and written by researchers at the University of South Australia.

In this study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, half the participants learnt Mini Pinyin in the morning and returned in the evening to have their memory tested, the researchers said.

The other half learnt Mini Pinyin in the evening and then slept in the laboratory overnight, while having their brain activity recorded. The team tested the participants’ progress in the morning.

Those who slept were found to perform significantly better, compared to those who remained awake before having their memory tested.

“We found that sleep relative to wake was associated with superior performance for rules that followed a sequence-based word order,” the authors wrote.

Improvements in memory because of sleep were related to the linking of slow oscillations and sleep spindles, which are brainwave patterns that synchronise during the non-REM phase of sleep, according to lead researcher Zachariah Cross, who did his PhD from the University of South Australia.

Non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is the restful phase of sleep when eyes stop moving and during which muscles relax, and brain activity, breathing and heart rate slow down.

“This coupling (linking) likely reflects the transfer of learned information from the hippocampus to the cortex, enhancing long-term memory storage,” Cross said.

“Post-sleep neural activity showed unique patterns of theta oscillations associated with cognitive control and memory consolidation, suggesting a strong link between sleep-induced brainwave co-ordination and learning outcomes,” the lead researcher said.

The researchers also said the findings could potentially inform treatments for individuals with language-related impairments, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and aphasia, who experience greater sleep disturbances than other adults.

Increasing slow oscillations could accelerate aphasia-based speech and language therapy, Cross said.
Health, National, Regional, States

Study finds how pollution can increase risk of inflammation pregnancy complications

Leave a comment

PTI, December 02, 2024, New Delhi : Exposure to PM2.5 pollution could lead to higher inflammation levels among pregnant women potentially resulting in adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm birth, according to a study examining how pollution alters human DNA.

     
The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, provided a new understanding of the biological routes through which air pollution affects pregnancy and birth outcomes, researchers said.

Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 pollution is caused by particles sized 2.5 micrometres or less. Common sources are vehicular and industrial emissions, while natural ones can include carbon from wildfires and dust.

The study, led by Harvard University’s School of Public Health, US, found that exposure to PM2.5 can influence the histones of pregnant women. Histones are proteins found in chromosomes, vital to DNA structure and cell function.

Air pollution can, thus, disrupt the normal balance of cytokine genes — genes involved in producing immune responses — and lead to increased inflammation in both women and foetuses, the researchers said.

Among pregnant women, the increased inflammation could be related to adverse pregnancy outcomes, they said.

“Our findings highlight the importance of minimising air pollution exposure in pregnant women to protect maternal and foetal health,” co-author Youn Soo Jung, a research associate at Harvard University’s School of Public Health, said.

“Policy interventions to improve air quality as well as clinical guidelines to help pregnant women reduce their exposure to pollution could have a direct impact on reducing pregnancy complications,” Soo Jung said.

While previous studies have found links between PM2.5 exposure and complications in maternal and child health including low birth weight and developmental delays, the study is the first to examine the effects of PM2.5 on maternal and foetal health at a cell level, the authors said.

The study involved both non-pregnant women and 20-week pregnant women. Average exposure to PM2.5 was calculated using air quality data from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Within each cell, the researchers were able to map changes to histones — the proteins that help control the release of cytokines, which are known to help regulate inflammation.

“These modifications in specific histones and cytokines could indicate the toxicological mechanism of PM2.5 exposure in inflammation, inflammasome pathway, and pregnancy complications,” the authors wrote.
Crime, Health, West Bengal

Violence Erupts at Vidyasagar Hospital in Behala Over Patient’s Death, 22 Arrested

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 23, 2024, Kolkata :

 A tragic and chaotic incident unfolded at Vidyasagar Hospital in Behala late Friday night, following the death of a patient who had suffered a heart attack. What started as a desperate attempt by the hospital staff to save the life of Sheikh Mehmud Alam quickly escalated into a violent mob attack that saw over 150 people storm the hospital’s emergency department, vandalizing property, assaulting medical staff, and causing panic among patients.

According to hospital sources, Sheikh Mehmud Alam, a resident of Thakur Pukur, was brought to Vidyasagar Hospital at around 8:00 pm on Friday, suffering from a severe heart attack. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, including two rounds of CPR, Alam’s condition deteriorated. At 8:50 pm, he was declared dead.

As word of Alam’s death spread, his family and a group of local residents gathered at the hospital, alleging medical negligence and demanding access to the hospital’s medical records. However, hospital authorities refused to release any documents without court approval, as per standard procedure. This refusal sparked anger among the relatives and a mob of approximately 150 people, who, by 10:00 pm, had entered the hospital’s emergency department.

The situation quickly turned violent. The rioters, accusing the hospital staff of negligence, caused widespread damage to hospital property, including medicine and equipment. In a disturbing turn of events, the nursing staff was physically assaulted, and three nurses were injured in the attack. Sources confirmed that the rioters had destroyed a significant amount of medical supplies, including vital injections and medicines.

In the midst of the chaos, hospital staff were forced to relocate patients to safer areas. However, the violence did not stop there. During the commotion, an 85-year-old patient named Shanti Sinha, who was receiving treatment at the hospital, reportedly died. It is unclear whether her death was directly linked to the incident, but the disruption certainly exacerbated the situation, causing additional distress to patients and staff. Some patients, in a state of panic, fled from their beds, further compounding the emergency response.

Police Intervention and Arrests

The situation only calmed when a large police force from Parnasree Police Station was deployed to control the mob and restore order. The police arrested 22 individuals involved in the violence, charging them with vandalism, assault, and other offenses related to the disturbance. Authorities have assured the public that an investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the incident and to hold those responsible accountable.

In a statement, the superintendent of Vidyasagar Hospital condemned the attack, noting that the rioters had not only caused physical damage but also put the lives of other patients at risk by disrupting medical services. “The rioters have destroyed a lot of medication and injections. This will impact the hospital’s ability to provide immediate care to other patients in need,” the superintendent said.

This incident underscores the growing tension between healthcare providers and the public in certain areas of West Bengal. While healthcare workers continue to be under immense pressure to provide care, especially in emergency situations, accusations of negligence and the increasing number of violent protests by agitated relatives of patients are raising alarms. The incident at Vidyasagar Hospital also highlights the broader issue of how the public perceives the quality of medical care in government hospitals and the tragic consequences that often arise when patients do not survive their medical crises.

The police investigation is ongoing, with officers reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness accounts. Initial reports suggest that the violence was instigated by the family members of the deceased patient, but further inquiries will seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the riot. Hospital authorities have also promised to cooperate with law enforcement in identifying those responsible for the destruction and the assault on medical staff.

The incident has left many questions unanswered. Was there a failure in the hospital’s emergency care? Could the situation have been handled differently? And, most importantly, how can hospitals and law enforcement work together to prevent such violence in the future?

As authorities work to piece together the facts, Vidyasagar Hospital and its staff are left grappling with the aftermath of an incident that has shaken the local community and drawn attention to the challenges faced by medical institutions in the region. The tragedy of Sheikh Mehmud Alam’s death has now been overshadowed by the violence that followed, and the incident will likely serve as a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability, better communication, and a more supportive environment for both healthcare workers and patients alike.
 
Crime, Health, International, National

Johnson & Johnson Faces ₹180 Crore Fine Over Asbestos Allegations in Baby Powder Case

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Delhi, November 10, 2024: Johnson & Johnson, the renowned healthcare giant known for its baby powder, has been hit with a significant legal ruling, ordered to pay ₹180 crore (USD 24 million) in damages after a Connecticut court found its iconic product contained harmful asbestos. The case, filed by plaintiff Ivan Plotkin, who developed mesothelioma—a rare cancer linked to asbestos—after using the baby powder, has raised serious concerns about the safety of the product.


Plotkin claimed that years of using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder led to his diagnosis, and his legal team argued that the product was contaminated with asbestos fibers, posing a health risk. Despite Johnson & Johnson’s defense that their product was asbestos-free, the court sided with the plaintiff, highlighting the potential dangers of the company’s talc-based powder.


The lawsuit focuses on allegations that Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder contained trace amounts of asbestos, a carcinogen known to cause cancer. These claims are not new; previous investigations have uncovered evidence that the company’s talc products were, at times, contaminated with asbestos between the 1970s and early 2000s. In fact, internal documents from Johnson & Johnson revealed that several tests showed contamination with asbestos, a fact not disclosed to the public or regulatory bodies.

The company has consistently denied these claims, maintaining that its baby powder is safe and free of asbestos. Johnson & Johnson’s defense also argues that independent scientific evaluations confirm the safety of their product.

This ruling is just the latest chapter in a series of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson over its talc-based products. The company has faced over 61,000 lawsuits from individuals claiming their talc products caused cancers like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. In 2018, a Missouri court awarded nearly $4.7 billion in damages to 22 women who alleged the powder contributed to their ovarian cancer.

Johnson & Johnson has withdrawn its talc-based products from the U.S. market in 2020 but continues to face legal scrutiny worldwide, particularly in markets like India and Bangladesh, where the baby powder has been widely used for decades.

Johnson & Johnson is currently engaged in bankruptcy proceedings to manage its talc-related liabilities, including a nearly $9 billion settlement attempt for ovarian cancer claims. However, mesothelioma cases like Plotkin’s are not part of this settlement, and the company faces continued litigation.

Despite the legal pressure, Johnson & Johnson has vowed to appeal the ruling and maintain that its talc products are safe, asserting that the verdict is “irreconcilable with decades of scientific evidence.” The company is also dealing with a $700 million settlement in the U.S., addressing accusations from 42 states over misleading consumers about the safety of its talc-based products.

As the company faces mounting legal and reputational challenges, the public’s concern over the safety of its once-legendary baby powder continues to grow. The outcome of this ongoing litigation will likely have significant implications for the future of Johnson & Johnson and its iconic product line.
Health, West Bengal

Hooghly Chinsurah Municipal Health Center Honored with National Quality Certification Amid Statewide Concerns

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 3, 2024, Hooghly : In a time when the state grapples with turmoil over the RG tax and rising concerns about women’s safety, the Hooghly Chinsurah Municipal Health Center has emerged as a beacon of excellence by receiving a prestigious quality certification from the Union government.


During a recent visit from October 23-25, a two-member team from the Ministry of Health’s National Health System Resource Centre conducted a rigorous evaluation of the municipal health center, specifically at the UPHC-3 facility located in Mallikkashem Hat at Saira More. The assessment involved a thorough examination of various operational aspects, including consultations with doctors and nurses, inspections of medical supplies, and the evaluation of patient treatment protocols.

The external survey meticulously reviewed the health center’s medication practices, ensuring that no expired medicines were in circulation, and assessed the overall quality of care provided to patients. Following this comprehensive evaluation, the health center received the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certificate, a significant recognition that underscores its commitment to delivering high-quality health services.

“This certification is not just an honor for our facility but also a source of motivation for all health centers in the region to elevate their standards of care,” said Jaydev Adhikari, Chairman in Council of the Municipal Health Department. “We hope this recognition will inspire other facilities to strive for excellence and improve health services across the board.”

The recognition comes at a critical juncture for health services in the region, highlighting the capacity for improvement and the dedication of local health workers to meet national standards. The Hooghly Chinsurah Municipal Health Center stands out as an example of what can be achieved even amidst challenges, reaffirming the importance of quality health care in fostering community well-being.
Health, West Bengal

On World Stroke Day, Experts Call for Urgent Inclusion of Speech Pathologists in Stroke Care Across India

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 29, 2024, Kolkata: At 62, Geeta Devi’s life changed drastically when she suffered a cerebral stroke three years ago. Initially marked by confusion in speech, her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to unconsciousness. Though she survived and returned home after an extended hospital stay, her ability to speak remains severely impaired, a reality faced by countless stroke survivors in India. As World Stroke Day is observed today, her story underscores the pressing need for better speech rehabilitation care for stroke patients across the country.


Each year, millions die globally from strokes, with many survivors living with long-term disabilities, including speech and language impairments. According to The Lancet Neurology (2019), at least 15 million people are affected worldwide each year, with India accounting for an estimated 1.8 million cases. Dr. Moh Shahidul Arefin, a speech pathologist at Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital, explained that approximately 50% of stroke patients experience speech or language issues, and up to 60% develop swallowing difficulties, a condition known as dysphagia. “Dysphagia can lead to complications like aspirated pneumonia, which can be fatal if untreated. Studies show that addressing dysphagia early with a speech pathologist could lower pneumonia risk by 45%,” Dr. Arefin emphasized, citing research from the American Journal of Medicine (2021).

Internationally, speech pathologists are an integral part of stroke recovery teams in countries such as the USA, UK, and Australia. These countries follow American Stroke Association and NHS guidelines that recommend consulting a speech pathologist within 24 to 48 hours of a stroke diagnosis. Evidence shows that including speech pathologists from the start significantly reduces the duration and cost of hospital stays, helps in quicker recovery, and prevents long-term communication disabilities.

However, India has yet to integrate speech pathologists into stroke care comprehensively. Only 25% of hospitals in India employ full-time speech pathologists within ICU specialist teams, leaving many stroke survivors without adequate rehabilitation support. This gap in care often leads to lifelong disabilities that could otherwise be mitigated. Recognizing this shortfall, the West Bengal branch of the All India Speech and Hearing Association has appealed to state health authorities, urging the government to prioritize stroke recovery by integrating speech pathology services into ICU protocols.

On this World Stroke Day, the Association’s General Secretary has formally addressed the state’s Health Secretary and Chief Secretary, highlighting the need for public awareness and government action. “Early intervention with speech pathologists is crucial,” he stated. “The government must adopt the protocols followed in developed countries to provide stroke patients with the best chance for recovery.”

Advocates call for policies that ensure every stroke patient in ICU has immediate access to speech pathologists, both during treatment and throughout recovery. By addressing the need for dedicated speech rehabilitation in hospitals and educating the public, they believe India could transform stroke recovery outcomes and help patients like Geeta Devi regain their quality of life.
Crime, Health, Regional, West Bengal

Tragedy Strikes at Debra Super Specialty Hospital: Woman Dies After Childbirth, Family Alleges Medical Negligence

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 22, 2024, West Medinipur : Tensions flared at Debra Super Specialty Hospital after a 23-year-old woman, Mamni Sardar Singh, tragically died following complications from childbirth. The young mother was admitted to the hospital in labor on Monday evening, and while she successfully gave birth to a baby girl, she began experiencing severe bleeding shortly after the delivery. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Mamni passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, around 2:00 a.m., leaving her grieving family devastated.


According to hospital sources, the patient was taken to the operating theater (OT) for delivery when her labor pains intensified. Dr. Atanu Samant, the doctor on duty, performed the operation. However, shortly after the delivery, Mamni experienced excessive bleeding, which could not be controlled, leading to her untimely death.

The grieving family has accused the hospital staff, particularly Dr. Samant and the attending nurses, of negligence, claiming that Mamni’s death was the result of improper treatment. Tension erupted on the hospital premises early Tuesday morning as news of the incident spread. Family members and local residents gathered, demanding accountability for what they believe was a preventable death.

The patient’s family has since filed a formal complaint with the hospital superintendent, urging a thorough investigation and calling for strict action against the doctor and nurses involved. “We lost her because of negligence. This is unacceptable,” a family member said. They have called for the responsible parties to be held accountable for the tragedy.

In response to the incident, local BJP leader Kashinath Bose sharply criticized the hospital, accusing it of failing to provide adequate care. “Debra Super Specialty Hospital is notorious for referring patients to the district hospital instead of treating them properly. This negligence has now cost a young woman her life,” Bose stated. He called for immediate punitive action against those responsible for the death, emphasizing the need for systemic improvements in the hospital’s care standards.

The incident has stirred significant unrest in the local community, with calls for better healthcare services in the area and heightened scrutiny over the hospital’s practices. Police were deployed to the hospital on Tuesday morning to prevent any escalation, ensuring the situation remained under control.

Meanwhile, hospital authorities have assured that an internal investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of Mamni’s death and to address the family’s allegations. Local residents, however, remain skeptical, with many questioning the hospital’s capabilities to handle critical cases.

As the family mourns the loss of Mamni Sardar Singh, the focus now shifts to ensuring that justice is served and that such tragedies are prevented in the future. The incident has also reignited discussions about the state of healthcare in rural areas, with increasing pressure on authorities to improve facilities and staff accountability at hospitals like Debra Super Specialty.
Health, Politics, West Bengal

Patient Services Disrupted Across Kolkata as Senior Doctors Begin 48-Hour Strike in Solidarity with Junior Colleagues

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 15, 2024, Kolkata: Private hospitals across Kolkata faced severe disruption in patient services as senior doctors launched a 48-hour partial work break in support of junior doctors. The strike, called by two prominent organizations—the Federation of Medical Associations and Healthcare Professionals—began at 6 AM on Monday and is set to continue until 6 AM on Wednesday.


The protest, aimed at pressing the state government to address the demands of junior doctors, has led to a halt in outpatient department (OPD) services at most private hospitals, as well as the cancellation of numerous scheduled surgeries. While emergency services remained functional at hospitals like The Woodlands, Bellevue, and Peerless, overall patient attendance plummeted, indicating the widespread impact of the work stoppage.

At Bellevue Clinic, 40 scheduled surgeries were canceled on the first day of the strike, with only 10 emergency surgeries going ahead. Woodland Hospital reported a similar situation, canceling 16 surgeries while conducting just 3 urgent cath lab procedures. OPD services were also heavily affected, with Peerless Hospital seeing only 92 patients compared to its usual daily average of 800. The hospital reported that on the same day last year, 250 patients had visited the OPD, highlighting the drastic reduction in patient care during the strike.

Patients across the city were left stranded as various medical services, including scheduled surgeries and consultations, were suspended. Many had to return without receiving the treatment they had been waiting for. “I had an appointment scheduled for today after waiting for weeks, and now I have no idea when I’ll get treated,” said one frustrated patient outside Peerless Hospital.

The senior doctors, backing their junior counterparts, expressed frustration over the state government’s lack of action in addressing the demands raised by the junior doctors, who have been protesting for improved working conditions and safety following recent incidents in hospitals. “The state government has not yet accepted the demands of the junior doctors. We want immediate action,” said a senior doctor participating in the strike. Both the doctors’ organizations leading the protest have reiterated this demand.

The strike has created uncertainty for patients and hospitals alike. With thousands relying on the city’s private healthcare system, the disruption of services over the two-day period is expected to result in a backlog of medical appointments and rescheduled surgeries. Healthcare professionals have expressed concern that this could strain the system further in the coming days once normal operations resume.

Though emergency services remain available at key hospitals, the overall reduction in patient care has raised concerns about the impact on individuals requiring routine but important treatments. The outcome of the ongoing strike and whether it will lead to any concessions from the state government remains to be seen. As the work stoppage continues, Kolkata’s healthcare landscape faces a challenging couple of days ahead.
Crime, Health, West Bengal

Shocking Violence Erupts at SSKM Hospital: Community Calls for Action and Accountabilitying Violence Erupts at SSKM Hospital: Community Calls for Action and Accountability

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 13, 2024, Kolkata : A disturbing incident of violence unfolded at SSKM Hospital early Sunday morning, raising serious concerns about safety and security in healthcare settings. A group of 15 to 20 individuals, armed with hockey sticks and cricket bats, stormed the hospital premises around 7 a.m., leading to a brutal assault on a patient’s relative.


The victim, identified as Sourav Modak, was outside the hospital’s trauma care unit when he was suddenly attacked by the group. Eyewitnesses report that he was dragged away and subjected to a severe beating, leaving him with critical injuries. Despite the presence of police officers at the scene, allegations have surfaced that they did not intervene during the violent episode, prompting questions about their role and effectiveness in maintaining public safety.

Local sources suggest that the violence may stem from an ongoing feud between two groups; however, the motive for targeting Modak specifically remains unclear. Following the attack, he was rushed back into the trauma care unit for emergency treatment.

This shocking event has led to widespread outrage in the community, with many calling for immediate action to enhance security protocols at hospitals and ensure the safety of patients and their families. The public is demanding accountability from law enforcement to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

In response to the incident, hospital officials have expressed their deep concern and are reviewing security measures to better protect patients and visitors. Community leaders are also urging local authorities to take a proactive stance against violence in public spaces, particularly in healthcare settings where vulnerable individuals seek care and support.

As investigations continue, the focus is now on establishing a safer environment in healthcare facilities. This incident highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackling violence and ensuring that hospitals remain sanctuaries for healing, not sites of conflict. The community stands united in advocating for reforms that prioritize safety, accountability, and the well-being of all who enter these vital institutions.
Health, Politics, West Bengal

Junior Doctors Intensify Protests as IMA Calls for Symbolic Fast Amid Growing Agitation

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 13, 2024, Kolkata: In a decisive move, junior doctors have escalated their protests by sending a strong letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, warning that their ongoing hunger strike could spark a larger movement if their demands are not swiftly addressed. The letter emphasizes the seriousness of their situation, urging immediate government intervention to resolve the impasse that has left them fighting for essential reforms.


The hunger strike, led by junior doctors from various institutions, including EMS and Chandigarh PGI, focuses on a comprehensive 10-point demand list aimed at improving safety and working conditions. The striking doctors have made it clear that they will continue their hunger strike until their demands are met, further highlighting their commitment to advocating for their rights and the welfare of patients.

In solidarity with the junior doctors, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengal has organized a symbolic 12-hour fast today, demonstrating the collective concern of the medical community regarding the ongoing crisis. This show of unity underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate dialogue between the government and healthcare professionals.

As tensions rise, the eyes of the public and the medical community are now on the government to take prompt action. The junior doctors remain resolute, determined to make their voices heard and ensure that their demands for a safer working environment are prioritized.
Health, Politics, Regional, West Bengal

Kalyani JNM Hospital Doctors Announce Mass Resignation Amid Ongoing Protests for Safety

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 13, 2024,  Kalyani :  In a significant development, 77 doctors from Kalyani JNM Hospital have decided to stage a ‘public resignation’ in solidarity with junior doctors currently on hunger strike. The doctors have formally communicated their decision to the hospital registrar via email, stating they will cease all medical duties starting Monday.


The mass resignation stems from growing concerns for both patient safety and the well-being of the junior doctors, who are facing severe health challenges as they continue their hunger strike. These junior doctors are advocating for a 10-point safety protocol to ensure better working conditions, particularly amid the ongoing festival season when patient inflow tends to rise.

In their email, the resigning doctors expressed that forcing medical staff to work under these conditions could lead to a crisis in patient care. “The mental state of our team is deteriorating, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide adequate treatment,” they stated, highlighting the urgency of their situation.

This public resignation follows a wave of similar actions from doctors at RG Kar, SSKM, and other hospitals, all rallying behind the junior doctors’ cause. Eight junior doctors are currently on hunger strike at Dharmatala, making a bold statement during this festive time to demand immediate attention from the government.

As the healthcare community stands united in their fight for safety and better working conditions, the situation at Kalyani JNM Hospital remains tense, with many now looking to the government for a swift resolution to these critical issues.
Health, Politics, West Bengal

Mass Resignation: 50 Senior Doctors of RG Kar and Other Hospitals Resign in Support of Junior Doctors’ Movement

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 

October 7, 2024, Kolkata  :  In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing medical crisis in West Bengal, 50 senior doctors from several prominent hospitals, including RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, have submitted their resignations in a show of solidarity with the junior doctors’ movement. The resigning doctors include heads of various departments, signaling a significant challenge to the state’s healthcare system.

Reports indicate that doctors from other major medical institutions, such as NRS Medical College and Hospital and SSKM Hospital, have also joined the growing protest. This mass resignation is seen as an unprecedented move by senior medical professionals to increase pressure on the state government in support of the junior doctors’ 10-point demand, which includes better working conditions and systemic reforms in the healthcare sector.

Escalating Crisis

The movement began with junior doctors staging a hunger strike at Dharmatala, demanding immediate action on their grievances. As of Monday, the number of junior doctors participating in the hunger strike has continued to grow. In a new development, 3-4 specialist doctors—referred to as “player doctors” for their leadership and influence in the medical community—joined the hunger strike, signaling that the protest is gaining momentum beyond the junior ranks.

Many of the senior doctors who have aligned themselves with the movement are former students of RG Kar Medical College Hospital, creating a powerful bond of solidarity between the two generations of medical professionals. They see the junior doctors’ struggle as a legitimate fight for better working conditions, patient safety, and reforms that would benefit both healthcare providers and recipients.

Relay Hunger Strike and Mass Resignation

On Monday night, the Joint Platform of Doctors, an organization representing senior medical professionals, announced in a press release their decision to initiate a relay fasting program. According to the statement, senior doctors will participate in this fasting program from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day, in a rotating manner, to show continuous support for the junior doctors without completely abandoning their duties. However, this symbolic act of protest took a serious turn when 50 senior doctors submitted their resignations during the ongoing relay fast.

The mass resignation followed a meeting of department heads earlier that day. The decision was made collectively by the doctors as a way to further intensify pressure on the state government. Despite the resignations, the senior doctors have clarified that they will not abandon their patients. In their statement, they reassured the public that they will continue to provide care and services at the hospitals, even as their formal roles as state employees come to an end.

“We are resigning in protest, but we will remain with our patients. This movement is not against the people, but for a better healthcare system,” one of the senior doctors stated, underlining their commitment to patient care despite the dire circumstances.

Implications for the State’s Healthcare System

The mass resignation of senior doctors has triggered alarm across the state’s healthcare institutions. With the growing number of junior doctors on hunger strike and the absence of key senior medical staff, there is rising concern about the potential collapse of the state’s healthcare system if the situation is not resolved soon.

Several senior officials in the health department have expressed fears that the mass resignation could cripple the functioning of key hospitals, especially if the protest continues for an extended period. Emergency services and critical care units are already feeling the strain, and any further disruption could lead to severe consequences for patient care.

The state government, thus far, has not provided any official response to the mass resignation, but insiders suggest that high-level discussions are underway to find a resolution. The demands of the junior doctors, which range from better working hours to addressing patient safety concerns, have received widespread support from medical professionals and civil society groups, but negotiations with the state have yet to yield concrete results.

A Call for Urgent Resolution

As the protest continues to gain momentum and the healthcare system teeters on the brink of collapse, there are growing calls for urgent intervention from the state government. Many within the medical community are warning that if the government does not engage in meaningful dialogue with the protesting doctors, the situation could spiral into a full-blown healthcare crisis.

Meanwhile, the public remains on edge, as many patients and their families express concern about the availability of medical care in the days ahead. The doctors, both junior and senior, remain committed to their cause but have also reassured the public that their protest is aimed at improving the very system that serves the people.

With the situation hanging in the balance, the state now faces the dual challenge of addressing the doctors’ demands while maintaining the functionality of its healthcare infrastructure.

Crime, Health, West Bengal

Junior Doctors’ Lawyer Voices Concern in Supreme Court: Influential Accused Still in Hospital

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 30, 2014, Kolkata:  In a significant development, junior doctors have raised their concerns in the Supreme Court regarding the delay in action against seven influential individuals accused in a case of financial corruption. Their lawyer, Indira Jaisingh, voiced the doctors’ frustrations, pointing out that despite the seriousness of the allegations, these individuals remain in the hospital, sparking worries among the junior medical staff.


During Monday’s hearing, Jaisingh highlighted the gravity of the situation, remarking, “This is not just a case of financial corruption; it involves a broader context of systemic abuse. Four members of the medical council, present at the scene of a rape and murder, are still hospitalized.” She further pressed the court to suspend the seven accused individuals, arguing that the delay in action jeopardizes the safety and peace of mind of the junior doctors.

Jaisingh questioned how the junior doctors could confidently return to work if the authorities fail to act swiftly. In response, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court instructed that the state should take immediate action as soon as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) releases the names of those under investigation.

The state’s lawyer reassured the court, stating, “No matter how influential these individuals may be, the state will take prompt action once the CBI discloses their identities. There will be no hesitation in enforcing the law against them.”

The case has garnered widespread attention, as the junior doctors continue to demand justice and protection, while the public awaits further developments in the high-profile corruption investigation.
Crime, Health, West Bengal

Junior Doctors at National Medical College Hospital Attacked by Intoxicated Patient and Family

Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 30 September 2024, Kolkata: In a disturbing incident at National Medical College Hospital, junior doctors were assaulted by an intoxicated patient and his family. Following a similar incident at Sagar Dutta Hospital, this attack included verbal abuse and death threats, causing widespread concern at one of Kolkata’s key medical facilities.


The altercation occurred when a patient, accompanied by friends, arrived at the hospital’s emergency department in an inebriated state, with severe hand injuries. After the doctors recommended an operation, the patient demanded immediate treatment, which the doctors explained was not feasible without proper preparation. This refusal triggered chaos in the hospital, with the patient and his relatives becoming aggressive and issuing threats against the doctors.

Five junior doctors from the surgery emergency unit were on duty during the incident. They reported that the patient and his family threatened to harm them. Following the attack, a formal complaint was lodged at the Beniyapukur police station. The police have since launched an investigation, arresting four individuals in connection with the assault and requesting CCTV footage from the hospital for further review.

This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of medical professionals at the hospital. Many doctors have expressed feelings of extreme insecurity, questioning the adequacy of safety measures in place to protect them while they perform their duties.

In response to the complaint, police officials were stationed at the hospital for an extended period. However, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the protection of healthcare workers in high-stress environments like emergency departments.