'Cadaver is a doctor's first teacher'- Medical fraternity condemns KEM MBBS student's viral remarks

New Delhi: The medical fraternity has expressed anger and disappointment over comments allegedly made by a final year MBBS student from KEM Hospital and a social media content creator about male cadavers during a comedy show held in Gurugram.

The controversy began during a crowd interaction segment at Pranit More’s show when the comedian reportedly asked whether doctors remain serious while handling cadavers during anatomy postings and post-mortem work.

Responding to this, the concerned medico allegedly made an inappropriate statement on cadavers. The video soon went viral and attracted criticism from doctors, medical students and social media users.

Members of the medical fraternity said cadavers are treated with utmost respect in medical colleges because they are donated bodies that help students learn human anatomy. Therefore, they said that such comments hurt the dignity of body donors and could negatively affect public trust in body donation for medical education.

As the backlash intensified, the medico reportedly issued a public apology on social media. In her statement, she said the topic was sensitive and admitted that her comments came across in a way they should not have.

The Maharashtra Cyber has registered an FIR against the medico and others in connection with the case. She has been summoned by the police and statements are expected to be recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.

Commenting on this, Dean of KEM Hospital Dr Harish Pathak told IANS, "Yesterday, we came to know through social media that a video is being circulated in which one of our students is seen making objectionable comments about dead bodies. It is highly unacceptable. We are very sensitive about respect for the dead, especially as bodies are donated with great emotional commitment for medical education. I have constituted a two-member committee to inquire into the matter. We expect the report by evening, and appropriate action will be taken thereafter."

Criticism from medical fraternity

Issuing a press release in this regard, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), KEM Hospital said that the individual involved in the present controversy is an MBBS undergraduate student and not a member of KEM MARD.

"Nevertheless, as members of the KEM medical fraternity, we believe it is important to address the concerns arising from this incident. KEM MARD upholds the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, and respect for body donors, whose selfless contribution is invaluable to medical education. The remarks made by the student were inappropriate, do not reflect the values expected of medical professionals, and have understandably caused hurt and concern," the association said. 

While accountability for one's words is essential, the association said that the student has publicly expressed regret and issued an apology. The association does not endorse the remarks made; however, it believes that the subsequent personal vilification, online abuse, and targeted harassment are neither constructive nor proportionate.

"Public discourse should remain fair, responsible, and focused on the incident itself, without extending to unrelated issues such as the student's admission through the reservation quota. As members of the medical fraternity, we support accountability, reflection and learning while ensuring that discussions remain respectful, balanced, and humane," it added. 

Commenting on this, Dr Amar Agame, Chief Adviser at KEM MARD told Medical Dialogues, "We strongly believes in professionalism, ethical behaviour and respect towards body donors, whose contribution is extremely important for medical education. The remarks made by the student were inappropriate and do not represent the values of the medical fraternity."

Dr Suyash Dhavane, Central MARD Advisor said, "Her joke was totally wrong, and entire medical fraternity would agree with it. One should always respect his own profession, ethics of his own profession. But I guess in new video and post she has apologised for her behaviour and asked for forgiveness and promised that such things won’t happen again. As a human we should forgive her and let’s focus on people doing good works."

FAIMA Doctors Association, National Chairman, Dr Jaideep Kumar Choudhary told Medical Dialogues, "The stand of FAIMA is clear, that no such remarks or comments are welcome which are against the Medical Ethics. Such remarks upon the cadaver which literally is a "God" for the medicos in learning the basics during the medical career is very upsetting. Defaming the cadaver is strictly condemnable because too has got a dignity in Medical Education. Moreover, we urge the Health Ministry to make proper stricter laws with provision of punishment regarding the surfacing of photos of surgeries, autopsy and dissection, patients on OT table whatsoever in any manner in any social media platform, shared whether by the Medicos or the non-medicos."

Meanwhile, the United Doctors Front (UDF), a national organisation representing doctors and medical students across India, submitted Public Interest Representation to the National Human Rights Commission New Delhi, seeking the intervention of the Hon'ble Commission regarding serious human rights concerns from repeated controversial content disseminated through the digital comedy platform hosted by the comedian Pranit More.

UDF Chairperson, Dr Lakshya Mittal urged the Commission to take Suo Motu Cognizance of the matter, issue suitable recommendations or advisories to discourage the commercialisation of content that undermines human dignity and nationally promoted public-interest initiatives and pass any other order deemed fit in the interest of justice and protection of human rights.

"This representation is not intended to interfere with any ongoing investigation or seek punitive action against any individual participant. It seeks consideration of the larger issue of platform responsibility and the wider societal impact of repeatedly commercialising obscene, degrading and insensitive content. The medical fraternity is equally concerned about content trivialising and sexualising human cadavers. Every cadaver used in medical education represents a noble body donation made for the advancement of science and deserves dignity and respect. At a time when the Government of India is actively promoting organ donation and whole-body donation through nationwide awareness programmes, such content has the potential to erode public confidence, discourage prospective donors and undermine years of public-interest efforts," mentioned the representation. 

Similarly, the All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) strongly condemned the insensitive and deeply disrespectful portrayal of cadavers and body donors. It demanded an immediate public apology and strict action against those responsible for this unacceptable act.

The association also urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, to urgently intervene and ensure that such insensitive content, which disrespects body donors, medical ethics, and human dignity, is not promoted, broadcast, or circulated on any platform in the future.

The association said, "Every cadaver represents a noble individual who made the selfless decision of body donation for the advancement of medical education and scientific learning. It is because of these donors that generations of medical students are able to learn human anatomy and become doctors dedicated to saving countless lives. Such contributions deserve the highest degree of dignity, gratitude, and respect."

Further AIMSA said that "If appropriate action is not taken by the concerned authorities, AIMSA will be compelled to pursue legal remedies and take all necessary steps to ensure accountability."

In a post on social media platform 'X', Democratic Medical Association (DMA) said, "A cadaver is the first teacher of every doctor. Turning cadaver dissection into entertainment disrespects body donors and undermines the ethics of medical education. We request the concerned authorities to examine the matter and take appropriate action."

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