BENGAL HEALTHCARE UNDER SCRUTINY AS MINISTER ALLEGES CASH-FOR-DUTY SWAPS DURING DURGA PUJA

October 27, 2026

KOLKATA, October 27, 2026: West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee has alleged that some healthcare personnel exchanged hospital duty hours for money during the Durga Puja period, raising concerns about staffing arrangements and accountability in government hospitals.

The allegation has brought renewed attention to the management of medical staff during major festivals, when hospitals must maintain uninterrupted emergency services despite increased public gatherings and potential medical emergencies.

According to the minister, duty schedules were allegedly traded for cash, prompting questions about whether established procedures were followed and whether adequate personnel remained available to provide patient care. The allegations have highlighted the importance of transparent rostering, supervision and compliance with hospital duty requirements during periods of heightened demand.

Government hospitals are expected to maintain essential medical services throughout festivals, including emergency treatment, intensive care and trauma management. Any unauthorised changes to duty arrangements could create difficulties in ensuring sufficient staffing, particularly in critical departments.

The allegations come amid broader scrutiny of healthcare infrastructure and emergency preparedness in West Bengal following concerns raised by doctors about deficiencies in public hospitals.

Further clarification or an investigation would be necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged exchanges, identify those responsible and determine whether any disciplinary action is warranted. The issue has renewed calls for stronger oversight of hospital staffing to protect patients and maintain the reliability of public healthcare services.