he death of 28-year-old Bikram Bhattacharjee from Konnagar, West Bengal, has ignited controversy and sparked a debate over medical negligence. Bhattacharjee, who was struck by a truck, was taken to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Friday but passed away after reportedly being denied timely treatment.
This incident occurred just a day after the West Bengal health department had to shut down help desks at all five major medical colleges in Kolkata due to a strike by the ‘Joint Platform of Doctors.’ Bhattacharjee’s family has yet to file a formal complaint with either the hospital or the police, although Lalbazar police have recorded a general diary entry concerning the case.
Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh accused RG Kar Medical College of failing to provide adequate treatment, a claim the hospital has denied. Ghosh highlighted the situation on social media, raising concerns that the victim bled for three hours without receiving medical attention, attributing this lapse to the ongoing doctors’ protest.
TMC MP and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee also weighed in, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the dispute without compromising patient care. He criticized the protest methods, stating, “Allowing a death due to preventable neglect is tantamount to culpable homicide. If the protest continues, it should be conducted in a manner that ensures no further lives are jeopardized by inaction or neglect.” Banerjee’s comments came after the Supreme Court had already urged the striking doctors to resume their duties.
Reports indicate that Bhattacharjee was initially treated at a Serampore hospital before being transferred to RG Kar Medical College, where it is alleged that he was left unattended for several hours. Family members claim they were informed that there were no available doctors and were advised to seek treatment elsewhere. The prolonged delay in treatment led to excessive bleeding, loss of consciousness, and ultimately, Bhattacharjee’s death.
The case has brought renewed scrutiny to the ongoing strike by junior doctors, who have been criticized for their methods of protest, which some argue have disrupted essential medical services and contributed to patient suffering.
