Doctors’ Transfers From Kolkata Medical Colleges Trigger Protests and Concerns

MP, Kolkata, August 22, 2026: The transfer of around 100 doctors from Kolkata-based medical colleges to districts, despite several yet to complete their tenure, has triggered an uproar among doctors in state-run institutions.

Doctors alleged the move was vindictive, pointing to a Health Department order issued a few months ago stating that doctors should serve two years at a post before transfer.

“We feel the state government and Health Department are not in coordination. The earlier order was different from the immediate transfer order,” a senior doctor said.

Another senior doctor alleged that doctors who did not support the government’s views were being targeted. He also questioned the posting of doctors who had served in districts during the Trinamool Congress regime as replacements.

Senior surgeons at SSKM Hospital said several very senior doctors had been transferred before completion of their tenure.

“This will affect the healthcare system,” one said.

In June, Health minister Dr Sharadwat Mukherjee had said Kolkata-resident doctors serving in district hospitals for over two years would be posted in Kolkata. An official order issued that month also said doctors needed to serve two years at their medical colleges before transfer.

The policy does not apply to doctors at Barasat in North 24-Parganas and Diamond Harbour in South 24-Parganas.

Mukherjee said on Wednesday that non-local doctors posted in Cooch Behar or Alipurduar for over two years would be transferred to their hometowns.

The BJP, when in opposition, had accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of lacking a transparent transfer policy and practising nepotism.

The state policy provides for three-year rotations for Medical Officers and requires teaching doctors under the West Bengal Medical Education Services to serve a significant part of their tenure outside Kolkata and nearby districts.

The Health Department periodically reviews the norms.

The department has said it will ensure routine transfers and scrutinise postings to address grievances.