NMC takes cognizance of PG Anaesthesia medico's suicide case, orders inquiry

New Delhi: Taking cognisance of the devastating suicide of a 27-year-old female second-year postgraduate medical student, the National Medical Commission has directed the Tamil Nadu-based medical college, where the PG medico was enrolled, to submit a detailed report on the incident by tomorrow.

This direction was issued by the Commission at an emergency anti-ragging meeting that was convened today at the National Medical Commission. Issuing a Press Release in this regard, NMC has clarified that "Pending inquiry of the incident by the Anti-ragging Committee of NMC, all matters of the medical college under consideration in NMC will be put on hold."

Further, the Commission has announced its decision to send a formal letter to the State Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) to conduct an independent probe. 

NMC has directed the DMER to complete and submit its report within 15 days, ensuring a swift and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to the doctor's tragic demise.

Medical Dialogues has recently reported how the 27-year-old second-year PG anesthesiology student at Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences in Kanyakumari committed suicide by injecting herself with a muscle relaxant in her hostel room on Thursday.

According to police, the doctor was found dead in her hostel room on October 6 and a suicide note was recovered from her hostel room. In the suicide note, the medico named 3 doctors including a professor, and 2 other doctors. She accused the professor of sexual harassment, mental and physical abuse, and alleged senior toxicity by other 2 doctors.

"Sorry Appa, I love you the most. Depressed people can also be seen happy. Be kind. Don't judge. Be there for them," the deceased said in her suicide note.

Responding to the tragic demise of the PG medico, the Apex Medical Commission today held an emergency meeting at NMC to address the tragic suicide of the doctor and suggest urgent measures to tackle harassment.

Issuing a Press Release on October 11, 2023, the Media/Publication Division of the Commission mentioned, "In response to the devastating suicide of a 27-year-old female 2nd-year postgraduate medical student (as reported in print, electronic, and social media), an emergency anti-ragging meeting was convened today at the National Medical Commission (NMC). The victim, identified as Dr. Preety (name changed), had alleged sexual harassment, physical and mental abuse, and toxicity by her professor and seniors in the Anesthesia department."

"The NMC expresses deep condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Preety. The Commission is committed to a comprehensive investigation and ensuring justice for the victim. The NMC also urges all medical institutions to foster a safe and supportive environment for students and pledges to take stringent actions against any form of harassment within the medical community," the release further mentioned.

Decisions taken in the emergency meeting:

Dr. Yogender Malik (Member of the Ethics and Medical Registration Board and Head Media Division) at NMC stated, "The NMC is steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards ragging and sexual harassment. By streamlining the decision-making process and involving external agencies, we aim to create an environment where students can focus on their education without fear or intimidation."

Also Read: 2nd year PG Anaesthesia commits suicide, accuses professor of harassment, 2 doctors of senior toxicity in Suicide note