Mamata Banerjee issues legal notice over disclosure of medical records

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has initiated legal proceedings against a private hospital and the state Health Department over the unauthorized disclosure of her confidential medical documents from 2021. The records, which detailed treatment for a leg injury sustained that year, were made public without her consent, prompting the legal action.

Current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari responded to the matter with a pointed warning to his predecessor. Adhikari cautioned Banerjee against pursuing the disclosure matter further, suggesting that additional documents could be released if she continues to challenge the current administration on the issue.

The incident has drawn attention to data privacy concerns involving public figures in India, raising questions about the safeguarding of sensitive medical information. Hospital protocols and departmental procedures regarding the handling of confidential patient records have come under scrutiny following the breach.

The legal notice marks an escalation in tensions between Banerjee and the current state administration. Both the hospital and Health Department have been directed to respond to the notice regarding how the medical records were disclosed and what measures will be implemented to prevent similar breaches in the future.