11 KIMS MBBS Students Suspended for allegedly making offensive reel targeting nurses

Bengaluru: Taking action against eleven medical students for creating an "offensive" Instagram Reel targeting the nurses, the authorities of Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubballi on Tuesday suspended them for a week.

The second-year MBBS students of the Institute had allegedly filed a derogatory reel within the administrative block of the medical college featuring a student dressed as a nurse in a sexualised manner. 

In the controversial reel video, the student was seen engaging in a seductive act with a patient while dancing to a Kannada song Nambeda Nambeda Nursegalanna Nambeda (don’t believe in nurses), and another song from the movie Bhadra.

Taking cognisance of the issue, the Trained Nurses' Association and the principals of other private nursing colleges strongly objected to the incident. Following this, a complaint was also lodged with the Director of KIMS Institute, urging swift action.

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As per the latest media report by News 18, in the concerned letter, the association denounced the portrayal of nurses in a derogatory manner and demanded immediate action against the students responsible for the incident.

“The video not only undermines the tireless efforts of the nurses but also perpetuates the harmful stereotypes demeaning the nursing and its professionals. The video in question undermines the professionalism and dedication of the nurses by presenting them in an unflattering manner and sharing those videos creates disrespect among the general public. We respect your good self to take cognizance and take immediate and swift, meaningful action,” stated the letter by the Nurses' Association.

Expressing concerns over the matter, a member of the nurses' association delegation, who personally submitted the letter to the Institute Director told News 18, “Nurses have been depicted in such a derogatory manner. We earnestly request the director to take strong action, and we will consider the matter resolved if appropriate steps are taken. However, should no action be taken, we are prepared to initiate a statewide agitation."

Taking immediate action in the matter, the management of the college suspended the students for one week and directed them to issue an apology. Indian Express adds that the students offered an apology and they said, “The Reel’s content was fictional and intended solely for amusement. We didn’t intend to offend the nursing staff. To those hurt by the video, we sincerely apologise.”

Referring to the issue, one of the students while tendering their apology told News 18, “Prior to the annual college function, we created a reel featuring doctors and nurses, which we uploaded on Instagram. The Instagram reel was fictional and produced for entertainment purposes. We now understand that this has caused distress within the nursing community. Our intention was never to show disrespect to the nursing community. If our actions have caused anyone harm, we apologise."

Meanwhile, the college authorities have set up a panel consisting of the principal of the college, two members of the Nurses' Association and two principals from private nursing colleges. This panel will investigate the matter and take decisions regarding any further actions.

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