Ceiling Collapse at Calcutta's RG Kar Medical College Sparks Tension Amid Allegations of Negligence

Kolkata, Dec 7: A section of doctors at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata are alleging that the recent ceiling collapse in one of its operation theatres is a result of years of negligence in hospital infrastructure maintenance.

According to sources, the collision took place on Thursday when the ceiling of an inoperative operation theatre collapsed within the hospital premises, leaving no casualties or injuries. The incident has once again put the spotlight on the troubles plaguing the institution, which was at the centre of national attention recently over a ghastly rape and murder case and ongoing probe into multiple financial irregularities.

Earlier this year, junior woman doctor was raped and murdered within the hospital premises. Subsequently, the Medical Council of India (MCI) took away its recognition for operating on the hospital's grounds.

The doctors have now linked the ceiling collapse to allegations against former Principal Sandip Ghosh, whose tenure during which a lot of irregularities were reported.

The alleged irregularity claims that he had taken the hospital infrastructure maintenance work outside PWD supervision and hired private outsourced agencies for work.

Several junior doctors claimed that they repeatedly requested authorities to carry out repair work in the operation theatre concerned but it was ignored. It was also noted, many other medical rooms in the surgery department face similar problems.

According to sources a junior doctor stated that " The condition of this particular theatre room had been quite poor for quite some time and hence despite our repeated pleas, no any work has been carried out, Fortunately, the ceiling collapsed when the theatre room was not operational and might have resulted in loss of many lives if it would happen during operation."

According to another junior doctor said "Similar accidents may be avoided unless repair and maintenance are done immediately. These other medical rooms were found to be quite ill maintained.

The incident highlights a massive crisis at the R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, leaving doubts over its capacity to handle any medical emergencies that arise in the future.

In this regard an urgent investigation will have to be carried out by Central agency involved and further details need to be unraveled on this unfortunate incident