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The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Bengal govt. slapped us with punishment postings: doctors
Senior resident doctors, who were the face of R.G. Kar protests in West Bengal, accused the State government of slapping them with 'punishment postings' as a backlash for protesting against the government, on Tuesday. They cited the postings of doctors Debasish Haldar, Aniket Mahato, and Asfakullah Naiya, which were different from the places they had opted for during the counselling. Dr. Haldar, a postgraduate from Medical College in Kolkata, had requested the West Bengal Health Department for a posting in the Department of Anaesthesiology at Howrah District Hospital. However, according to an official release, he was ordered to join the Gazole State General Hospital in Malda district. Doctors alleged that the post to which Dr. Haldar was shifted did not exist before the counselling sessions, which were held at Swastha Bhawan (Health Department headquarters) on February 27, and was 'created' as a form of 'punishment'. Dr. Mahato, a postgraduate in anaesthesiology at R.G. Kar, had opted to complete his senior residency at the same college but was posted to Raiganj Government Medical College and Hospital in Uttar Dinajpur district. 'I chose Howrah GH, and according to my rank, they allotted it to me. But after the lists were published, I saw that everyone got the postings of their choice except me. This can be a form of revenge,' he said. Dr. Mahato questioned that if the Health Department had conducted transparent counselling processes and assigned postings accordingly, then why did the final lists not reflect the same? 'We do not mind going to any corner of the State to perform our duties as medical professionals, but the process should be transparent,' Dr. Mahato added. Several doctors with a similar plight protested outside the State Health Department office in Salt Lake, waiting for answers from the Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam. Mr. Nigam told the doctors to file official complaints with the Health Department. He also refuted allegations of 'punishment postings'. Indiscriminate postings In a similar incident, on March 20, senior doctor Subarna Goswami, a Bengal-based senior physician and public health administrator who was vocal during the movement, was transferred from the post of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Health (CMOH)-II at Purba Bardhaman district to Superintendent at Darjeeling TB Hospital in North Bengal. Dr. Goswami claimed that the transfer was a 'vindictive step by the administration,' while sources in the Health Department described it as 'routine.' The series of transfers and postings have led to criticism within the State's medical fraternity.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Thalassemia burden in West Bengal higher than national average
On World Thalassemia Day, experts in West Bengal highlighted the alarming prevalence of Thalassemia in the State, noting that it exceeds the national average. According to the West Bengal Health Department, 6% to 10% of the state's population carries the disease, compared to the national average of 3% to 4%, as per 2011 Census data. Beta Thalassemia and sickle cell disorders continue to be major health challenges in India, with Thalassemia being one of the most common inherited blood disorders. The condition results in a reduced level of haemoglobin in the body, impairing the transport of oxygen in the blood. It is among the most common single-gene disorders worldwide. The National Health Mission report of 2016 estimates that approximately 10,000 to 15,000 babies with Thalassemia Major are born each year in India. Studies have also pointed out that certain communities, including Bengalis, Sindhis, Punjabis, and Gujaratis, exhibit higher carrier frequencies. In West Bengal, the burden of Thalassemia is exacerbated by several factors, including a lack of awareness and the prevalence of intra-community marriages. 'We have over 18,000 blood transfusion-dependent patients in the state. The patient positivity rate stands at 2.5%,' a source in the West Bengal Health Department told The Hindu. To mark World Thalassemia Day on May 8, awareness programs were organized across the state to educate the public. A 2020 study published in the International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research found that many people remain unaware of Thalassemia's inheritance patterns. Inadequate screening and a lack of education on the disease have been major contributors to its spread. West Bengal currently has 36 Thalassemia Control Units (TCUs) across various districts, which are actively screening populations, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy and among adolescents. The goal is to ensure that future generations are free of Thalassemia. 'As there is no law in India regarding this, we cannot prevent marriages. The best we can do is raise awareness. If two carriers marry, the likelihood of having a child with Thalassemia is high, which is why screening during the first trimester is crucial,' said the health department source. To further raise awareness, Prof. Rajib De, Clinical Lead Hematology at Narayana Health, Kolkata, urged parents to focus on a balanced diet low in iron, timely vaccinations, and maintaining proper hygiene to avoid infections. He emphasized the importance of mental health support for children with Thalassemia, given the severity of the condition. 'In regions with such high prevalence, early screening, informed parenting, and consistent care can make a significant difference,' Prof. De said. Without proper care, children with Thalassemia may not live beyond 30 years of age. Experts stress that screening both parents for Thalassemia before planning a child is crucial to preventing the condition and improving long-term outcomes.
