The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has filed a serious complaint against a professor at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMC), Nagpur. The complaint, made public by MARD, alleges sexual harassment, academic misconduct, and mental harassment. A first-year female Junior Resident (JR) made these specific allegations against a professor in the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) department.
Resident doctors from the FMT department submitted a written complaint detailing the incidents. The female JR reported sexual harassment, including coercion related to her outfit. She also alleged the professor’s misuse of academic authority. These acts created an uncomfortable and unprofessional environment for the junior doctor.
The complaint outlines persistent mental harassment experienced by the doctors. Allegations include verbal abuse, intimidation, and direct academic threats. The professor allegedly used extortion and blackmail. These tactics were reportedly used to force resident doctors to run personal errands. This conduct has fostered a hostile work environment, severely impacting the well-being and professional peace of the doctors.
MARD stated that these alleged incidents constitute a grave violation. They specifically breach the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013. The association also noted that the conduct violates institutional ethics. MARD emphasized that the professor’s actions compromise the dignity and safety of resident doctors at IGGMC.
MARD Demands Immediate Inquiry and Action
MARD has presented a list of nine urgent demands to the IGGMC administration and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. These demands aim to ensure justice, transparency, and safety for all resident doctors involved.
- All digital evidence must be immediately preserved by the administration. This includes WhatsApp messages , call recordings , emails , and CCTV logs .
- Specific CCTV footage from November 9 , between 4 pm and 7:50 pm , must be secured.
- An inquiry committee must form within seven days . This committee must align with Section 4 of the POSH Act.
- The inquiry report must be submitted according to guidelines mandated under the POSH Act.
- A retired IAS officer or Judge must chair the committee. No member from the medical fraternity should serve on this committee.
- The committee must ensure a minimum of 50% female representation .
- No committee member should be from the Vidarbha region.
- The accused professor must face immediate suspension. This suspension should remain in effect until the inquiry concludes.
- Safety measures for all whistleblowers must be assured and strictly enforced.
- Police protection must be provided to all resident doctors who have filed an official complaint.
Protest Warning Issued by Doctors’ Body
The Maharashtra doctors’ body has issued a warning regarding potential further action. MARD stated it would intensify protests if the demands are not met. The association also threatened to initiate an indefinite strike . This strike would begin if the administration fails to address the listed demands.
Central MARD has extended its full support to all resident doctors involved in this matter. The central body committed to ensuring swift, unbiased, and transparent action. MARD seeks a resolution that guarantees the safety and dignity of medical professionals.