WBUHS 2021 Batch MBBS Student Dies by Suicide Due to Exam Pressure

The medical fraternity in West Bengal is mourning the devastating loss of Pulok Halder, a 23-year-old MBBS student from the 2021 batch under the West Bengal University of Health Sciences (WBUHS), who tragically died by suicide this week.

While official investigations are underway, the incident has triggered a wave of profound grief and anger across medical colleges. Peers, resident doctors, and student associations are pointing directly to a grueling and poorly structured academic schedule as the primary catalyst for the tragedy.

Students Point to Systemic Failures

Medical students have taken to public forums to express their outrage, with many labeling the tragic loss an “institutional murder.” The core of the frustration stems from the administration’s handling of the 2021 batch’s curriculum.

Classmates report that the batch was subjected to a punishing schedule, forcing them to cover “11 subjects in 11 months” due to administrative delays. The pressure was reportedly compounded by the upcoming Professional (Prof) exam timetable, which students highlighted offered absolutely no gap days between critical and vast papers – such as between Paper 1 and Paper 2, and before the ENT exam – leaving candidates with unimaginable mental distress.

An Urgent Call for Mental Health Reforms

This devastating loss has reignited urgent demands for systemic reforms within Indian medical colleges. Students are fiercely criticizing authorities for prioritizing administrative convenience over the well-being of future doctors, urging immediate changes to how medical exams are scheduled and a stronger, more accessible mental health support system on campuses.

(Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Helpline (Tele-MANAS) at 14416 or 1800-891-4416).