Kolkata rape-murder case: IMA suspends membership of ex-RG Kar principal Dr Sandip Ghosh, cites lack of empathy in handling rape-murder incident

In a letter sent to Ghosh, the IMA cited allegations of “lack of empathy and sensitivity in handling the (rape-murder) issue”, and said there was a demand from its Bengal unit and other associations to take action against him for “bringing disrepute” to the entire medical fraternity.

“The disciplinary committee duly constituted by (IMA) national president Dr R V Asokan today suo motu considered the rape and murder of a post-graduate resident and the subsequent developments at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. …the parents of the victim… had put up their grievances against you in dealing with the situation as well as lack of empathy and sensitivity in handling the issue in an appropriate manner befitting the responsibility held by you in your dealings with them,” the letter signed by IMA honorary secretary general Dr Anilkumar J Nayak and addressed to Ghosh read.

“The IMA Bengal state branch, as well as certain associations of doctors, also have demanded action citing the nature of disrepute brought by you to the profession on the whole… The disciplinary committee of IMA HQs has unanimously decided to suspend you forthwith from the membership of the Indian Medical Association,” the letter added.

Copies of the letter have also been sent to the IMC Bengal state branch and the IMA Calcutta branch.

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) was one of the organisations that wrote to IMA on Wednesday. In a letter to Dr Asokan, FAIMA said: “In light of the gravity of charges against him (Dr Ghosh), we believe that his continued membership in the IMA is not only inappropriate but also detrimental to the reputation and ethical standards of our esteemed association.”

While a person is innocent until proven guilty, IMA’s imperative should be to hold the highest standards of integrity and accountability, it stated.

Ghosh was at the helm when the rape and murder of a junior doctor took place at R G Kar Hospital on August 9. He has been accused of trying to hush up the incident. He resigned later only to be made principal of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital.

He is currently being probed by the CBI in the rape and murder case, and was questioned for several days. He also underwent a polygraph test conducted by the CBI. On the direction of the Calcutta High Court, the CBI is also probing him for corruption at RG Kar Hospital. His house was searched by the CBI on Monday.

With ENS, New Delhi