Is there something for West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) to hide? By all accounts, it seems so. This impression gets bolded going by the report in DNA that a single-member judge has dismissed Dr. Kunal Saha’s plea to gain access to WBMC records under the recently enacted Right to Information Act (RTI) on the ground that he is not an Indian citizen.
Dr. Saha is an aggrieved person, and believes that sufficient medical care was not taken when his wife died 9 years back in a city hospital. A month back he has filed the highest claim for compensation thus far (see this story, Highest medical claim) in the Supeme Court that will come up for hearing soon.
Presumably Dr. Saha needs all related information to argue his case in the court including those with WBMC. One feels he ought to get access to all facts that are part of his case. Reposing faith in the Supreme Court to deliver justice whether or not that goes in Dr. Saha’s favor is the need of the hour.
After all, as with all public disputes, this case too concerns not only Dr. Saha but all citizens of this country. It’s more so with this case since it’s centered around a vital public service. So one wishes that all facts are brought out in the open.
Dr. Saha is a determined fighter, having prevailed over all obstacles strewn on his path to seeking justice. Therefore, when he says that he would mobilize US congressmen and senators against the denial meted out to him to seek information under RTI, it’s time the concerned authorities sit up and take notice.
He has filed a fresh petition in Calcutta HC against WBMC on May 2. It’ll be of immense interest to see how his case unfolds in the days to come.
Technorati Tags: kunal saha, medical claim, medical compensation, supreme court, right to information act, right to information
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