IMA suspends membership of RG Kar hospital's former principal Sandip Ghosh

New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced on Wednesday the suspension of former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh’s membership. This action comes in the wake of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor at the Kolkata-based institute earlier this month.

Disciplinary committee's action

The suspension was decreed by the IMA's disciplinary committee, following an internal review prompted by the ongoing investigation. Dr. R V Asokan, the national president of the IMA, had constituted the committee to address the grave concerns surrounding the case. 

According to the IMA's official order, the committee evaluated the situation based on recent developments related to the tragic incident involving the postgraduate resident doctor. The general secretary of the IMA and Dr. Asokan personally visited the victim's family to understand their grievances against Dr. Ghosh.

#BREAKING: Indian Medical Association suspends Membership of Former Principal of RG Kar Medical College Dr. Sandip Ghosh with Immediate Effect. pic.twitter.com/4x72UrhEpT

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 28, 2024

The IMA's order highlights the concerns raised by the victim's family regarding Dr. Ghosh's handling of the situation. The family expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of empathy and sensitivity from Ghosh in managing the aftermath of the incident. Furthermore, the Bengal state branch of the IMA, along with several other medical associations, criticized Ghosh for bringing disrepute to the medical profession.

Immediate suspension

The IMA's disciplinary committee concluded that Dr. Ghosh's actions warranted immediate suspension from the association. The decision reflects the seriousness with which the IMA is treating the situation and underscores the commitment to maintaining professional integrity and accountability within the medical community.