Disparity in Representation: Muslim Doctors Just 6.6% in Bengal’s Government Medical Colleges

[Fatima]

Recent data obtained through RTI enquiries has shed light on the underrepresentation of Muslim doctors across nine government medical colleges in West Bengal. The findings indicate that only 6.6% of doctors in these institutions belong to the Muslim community, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the state's Muslim population, which is 27.01% according to the latest census figures.

Among the institutions surveyed, Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital—located in a district with a significant Muslim population—recorded the highest percentage of Muslim doctors at 19.56%. On the other end of the spectrum, Deben Mahato Government Medical College and Hospital in Purulia reported the lowest representation at just 1.82%.

This glaring disparity has sparked discussions on the systemic factors that may be contributing to such low representation. Educational access, socio-economic barriers, and possible biases in recruitment processes are being pointed to as areas needing serious review.

The data raises important questions about inclusivity and equal opportunity in public institutions, especially in a state where Muslims form more than a quarter of the population. If government medical colleges are not reflective of the state's demographic composition, it could signal deeper issues that need urgent policy attention.