A Legacy in Distress: The Unfulfilled Vision of Dr Radha Gobinda Kar

On Dr Radha Gobinda Kar's 172nd birth anniversary, his descendants express dismay at the stagnation in state-run healthcare. Despite his pioneering efforts in founding the Calcutta School of Medicine, now RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, minimal advancements have been made in securing facilities for young doctors. The family's calls for improvements coincide with recent strikes by junior doctors over safety issues.

On the 172nd anniversary of Dr Radha Gobinda Kar, founder of the Calcutta School of Medicine, his descendants have voiced their disillusionment over the stagnant progress in state-run healthcare. The institution, now known as RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was established in 1886 with the aim of advancing medical education and services.

Speaking to PTI, Kar's fourth-generation descendants lamented the appalling state of security and facilities for young doctors—issues Kar aimed to tackle when he established the facility amid significant challenges 138 years ago. The family feels it wise to leave it to the junior doctors, who have been striking for two weeks on valid grounds, to decide their next steps.

Family members also criticized the state government's failure to build confidence among striking doctors, despite appeals from the Supreme Court and repeated requests from the health department. Partha Kar, a descendant, expressed his shock at the ongoing inadequacies, indicating a dark future for public healthcare in West Bengal.

(With inputs from agencies.)