Kolkata, 24 February (H.S.) – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has advised the state’s Health Secretary, Narayan Swaroop Nigam, to be more serious about his administrative responsibilities. Speaking at a statewide doctors’ conference held at the Dhana Dhanya Auditorium in Alipore on Monday, she urged better coordination within the health department.
Addressing Nigam directly from the stage, Banerjee emphasized the need for officials to resolve internal disagreements through better communication. There are differences among you. Establish better dialogue and work efficiently, she told the health secretary.
The remarks come in the wake of the RG Kar Hospital controversy, where protests erupted over alleged administrative lapses. Junior doctors had even demanded Nigam’s removal, but Banerjee firmly rejected this demand, making it clear that he would remain in his position.
During the conference, the Chief Minister expressed condolences to the family of the victim in the RG Kar incident and assured strict action against those responsible. I myself took to the streets demanding justice in this case, she reminded the gathering.
Banerjee also highlighted that the state government had deployed 8-10 IAS officers to streamline administrative functions in the health sector, with doctors also playing a key role. She warned officials against tarnishing the health department’s reputation and urged them to be more proactive.
In response to the RG Kar incident, junior doctors had staged an indefinite protest outside the Health Department headquarters with a 10-point demand list, including the removal of the health secretary. While Banerjee ruled out Nigam’s dismissal, some senior police and health department officials, including Kolkata Police Commissioner Vinita Goyal, were transferred.
During Monday’s conference, Banerjee indirectly cautioned Nigam, urging him to be more vigilant in his role. While she did not level any specific accusations, she reiterated the importance of administrative coordination in the health sector.
Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh
