After a group of aggressive patients assaulted some of the nurses and doctors in the emergency department of RG Kar Hospital, new principal Suhrita Pal had to undergo some angry protests by students seeking action. This was occasioned by a planned protest march, which was attacked by a midnight mob, thus leaving fifteen policemen assaulted who had to be taken to hospital after having to disperse the mob.
Pal got angry at the students and said, “If you can’t trust me for one hour, then send me home also. ” Her predecessor Sandip Ghosh was vindicated to dismantle prolonged leave by the Calcutta High Court after a highly contentious appointment that immediately followed his resignation.
If protests went on, students raised grave concerns about security following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at the hospital. Still, the critics have accused the administration of offering protection to the offenders.
Due to the destruction and the use of violence on August 15, people demanded more security to be provided and introduced. Again, there has been political influence, with accusations made that operatives from the ruling party have been deployed to engage protesters. The tension does not disappear as the community seeks justice and security enhancement in the healthcare environment.
