Ragging continues to be a serious concern in educational institutions, despite strict laws and anti-ragging measures. In a fresh incident that has raised questions about the safety and well-being of junior doctors, the Gujarat government has suspended nine resident doctors from two government medical colleges after complaints of mental and physical harassment by first-year residents. The allegations include intimidation, collective punishment, physical abuse, and forcing juniors to stay awake through the night as a form of punishment.
Nine Doctors Suspended After Ragging Complaints
The Gujarat government on Wednesday suspended nine resident doctors from two government medical colleges following separate complaints of ragging and harassment of junior doctors.
The suspended doctors include, three resident doctors from B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, six resident doctors from Sir T. Government Medical College, Bhavnagar. All nine doctors belong to the Orthopaedics Department of their respective colleges.
Inquiry Committee Formed
State Junior Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said that an inquiry committee headed by the Dean of Bhavnagar Medical College has been constituted to investigate the matter.
The committee is expected to submit its report by Thursday evening, after which the government will decide on further action against the accused doctors.
What Happened in Bhavnagar?
According to the minister, 13 first-year resident doctors at Sir T. Government Medical College in Bhavnagar filed complaints against six senior resident doctors. The juniors alleged that they had been subjected to, mental harassment, intimidation, abusive behaviour, and collective punishment.
The complainants said that over the last four months, even a small or unintentional mistake by one resident would result in all 13 first-year residents being called together and punished.
Alleged Punishments
The junior doctors claimed they were forced to undergo several humiliating punishments, including, writing the same sentence repeatedly hundreds or even thousands of times, being summoned at odd hours of the night, and standing outside operation theatres, hospital wards, and department premises throughout the night.
They further alleged that they were required to upload photographs in a WhatsApp group at regular intervals as proof that they were still standing at the designated locations.
Allegations Against Doctors in Ahmedabad
A separate ragging complaint was reported at B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad. Three resident doctors were suspended after complaints were filed through the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) anti-ragging mechanism.
According to sources, first-year resident doctors alleged that they were, forced to perform repeated sit-ups, subjected to physical abuse, and pinched by senior doctors as a form of punishment.
Medical Examination Confirmed Injuries
Sources said that a medical examination of some complainants confirmed the presence of pinch marks on their bodies. It was also reported that an initial complaint did not lead to action. After a second complaint was filed, authorities initiated disciplinary proceedings against the accused doctors.
Suspension Details
The suspended doctors have been barred from, entering their respective college campuses and appearing in examinations during the suspension period.
According to sources, one doctor from B.J. Medical College has been suspended for one year, and the other two suspended doctors have been suspended for six months.
Similar Incident Reported Earlier
The latest case has also brought back memories of a similar ragging incident at B.J. Medical College around three years ago.
In that case, three resident doctors from the Orthopaedics Department were suspended after being accused of ragging. One of the victims had reportedly suffered a damaged eardrum during the incident. Sources said the suspension period of one of the doctors involved was later reduced.
The latest allegations have once again highlighted the persistent problem of ragging in medical colleges, where junior doctors often face immense pressure during their training years. With an official inquiry now underway, authorities are expected to determine the extent of the misconduct and decide on further action. The case has also renewed calls for stricter monitoring and stronger enforcement of anti-ragging rules to ensure a safe learning environment for students and young medical professionals.
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