Kolkata witnessed a significant protest on Friday as junior doctors, supported by senior colleagues and citizens' representatives, marched against the reinstatement of Dr. Abhik De and Dr. Birupaksha Biswas into the State Medical Council despite allegations of operating a “threat syndicate.” This decision, alongside worries about systemic corruption, ignited fierce outrage among the medical fraternity and the public. 

The march, spearheaded by junior doctors and supported by representatives of the citizens’ forum Abhaya Manch, commenced at 4 PM from the State Medical Council office. Protesters chanted powerful slogans like “Durnitir Aturghar, Swasthya Daptor Safai Kor” ("Clean the corrupt health department") as they marched determinedly towards Swasthya Bhawan, the headquarters of the state health department. 

The protest carried an emotional weight intensified by the presence of the parents of a deceased medical student, who was allegedly murdered on campus. The victim’s father, addressing reporters, conveyed intense frustration with the government's choice to reinstate individuals previously deemed guilty by the department’s internal investigation committee. 

"Is the state unable to locate other individuals?" It is unacceptable that individuals involved in malpractice are being reinstated. This unmistakably indicates implicit government backing,” he asserted. In reference to his daughter's unresolved murder case, he asserted, "My daughter was killed in her educational institution." The police displayed negligence from the very beginning. They will leave no stone unturned to secure justice. When the investigation is executed with precision, the culprits will undoubtedly face consequences. 

The central grievance highlights a glaring disconnect between the findings of the health department's own investigation and the actions taken by the State Medical Council. The departmental inquiry found Dr. Abhik De and Dr. Birupaksha Biswas responsible for their alleged misconduct, yet their reinstatement raises serious questions about political favouritism and deep-rooted corruption within the system. 

Protesters, among them senior doctors, insisted on transparency and accountability. "How can the State Medical Council disregard the findings of its own department?" A senior doctor who participated in the march stated, "This transcends a mere professional issue; it directly impacts public trust in the healthcare system." Representatives from Abhaya Manch voiced strong objections, condemning what they labelled the "institutionalisation of corruption" within the health sector. 

The march occurred simultaneously with a significant ruling in a separate high-profile case within the state. The Baruipur Sub-Divisional Court has delivered a death sentence to Mostakin Sardar for the heinous crime of raping and murdering a minor girl in Joynagar. The father of the deceased medical student stated, "The Joynagar verdict instills hope in us." The government must take decisive action to curb violence against women in the state. The administration and police have prioritised suppressing evidence over gathering it, and this is a troubling reality. 

The protestors firmly reiterated their demand for a thorough investigation, with some boldly calling for intervention by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "We will relentlessly push both the administration and the CBI to accelerate the inquiry and guarantee that justice is served," the father asserted. 

The protest has undeniably brought forth significant questions regarding governance in the state’s healthcare sector. The health department, already under intense scrutiny for its handling of gender violence cases, now confronts serious accusations of shielding individuals implicated in malpractice. 

This protest stands as a potential turning point, according to analysts. Citizens' groups such as Abhaya Manch, backed by the medical fraternity, are taking a stand against systemic irregularities, highlighting a rising tide of discontent. This goes beyond a single case. "Restoring faith in the institutions designed to protect public health and justice is imperative," asserted a political analyst. 

As the march reached its end at Swasthya Bhawan, a determined five-member delegation of junior doctors confronted health department officials, insisting on clear answers. Their central question is clear: Why were individuals guilty of malpractice reinstated, and what implications does this decision hold for the integrity of the State Medical Council? 

The health department must issue an official statement addressing these concerns without delay. Meanwhile, junior doctors and citizens are resolute in their commitment to persist in their struggle until transparency and justice are achieved.