JJ Hospital Paediatrics Medico suicide attempt: Doctors move Maha CM, demand inquiry

In a release, the students at the department informed that due to trivial reasons, the doctor was targeted and belittled on numerous occasions, especially in front of the patient relatives from the beginning of her residency. The situation worsened over the past three months when the resident doctor was allegedly threatened that she would not be allowed to even appear for her MD exams. Following this, the resident doctors of the paediatric department of Sir Grant Government Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals initiated an indefinite strike. 

Also read- Grant Medical College Paediatrics Medico Attempts Suicide due to alleged Toxic Work Culture, Resident Doctors on Strike

Demanding fair probe and criminal action against the HOD, the UDF in a strongly worded letter dated July 21, highlighted that the resident doctor, who is currently in the ICU, was reportedly subjected to continuous mental harassment, including threats of academic failure, over minor issues like paperwork and leave. Despite repeated concerns raised by fellow doctors and MARD (Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors), the faculty allegedly failed to take responsibility, instead blaming the victim, said the association. 

The UDF said that that the HOD's temporary suspension is not enough and demanded her permanent removal and criminal proceedings.

"MARD’s indefinite strike demands Dr. *** permanent removal, but her temporary suspension and ongoing inquiries are insufficient. Your silence as of 10:54 AM IST, July 21, 2025, heightens fears of escalation. As Chief Minister, you must protect our medical professionals. The UDF warns that further harm will hold your administration accountable," the letter reads. 

Further, the UDF has placed seven key demands before the Chief Minister, which include- 

• Initiate Criminal Proceedings Against the Perpetrator: Immediately file criminal charges against the doctor for causing severe mental agony, as her alleged actions have driven a dedicated doctor to attempt suicide. Such legal action will serve as a deterrent to prevent similar incidents and protect the precious lives of medical students.
• Implement Work Hour Reforms: Enforce a 48-hour work week, a mandatory weekly day off, and annual leave provisions as stipulated in the Uniform Residency Scheme 1992, to alleviate the inhumane workload that exacerbates stress and mental health crises among resident doctors.
• Establish a Special Cell and Helpline: Set up a dedicated special cell with a 24/7 helpline to allow resident doctors to report harassment by seniors or faculty and violations of duty hours, ensuring swift action and confidentiality to protect complainants from retaliation.
• Protect the Affected Doctor: Provide comprehensive support, including psychological counseling, a harassment-free work environment, and safeguards against retaliatory actions by faculty, to ensure her safety and recovery.
• Conduct a Transparent Inquiry: Direct an impartial and expedited inquiry into the allegations against the doctor and other faculty members, with clear timelines for resolution and strict consequences for those found guilty.
• Engage with Protesting Doctors: Meet with MARD and the striking residents to address their demands, restore trust, and ensure patient care is not further compromised by the ongoing strike.
• Implement Systemic Reforms: Introduce mandatory training on workplace ethics, accessible mental health resources, and robust mechanisms for reporting harassment without fear of retribution to eradicate toxic work cultures across medical institutions.

"The courage of this young doctor to endure such a hostile environment is a testament to her dedication, yet it is a travesty that her commitment was met with cruelty instead of support. The UDF stands in solidarity with her and her colleagues, who are risking their careers to demand justice. This is a defining moment for Maharashtra’s leadership to demonstrate that the lives and dignity of our medical professionals are paramount," said UDF, adding that the people of Maharashtra are watching. 

Meanwhile, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has also come out in full support of the resident doctors of JJ Hospital. In a separate letter dated July 19, FAIMA termed the incident “deeply distressing” and called for urgent intervention from the government. The association said that the doctor, in her final year of training, had earlier tried to raise mental health concerns but was not supported in time.

FAIMA emphasised that the issue has shaken the entire resident doctor community and pointed to broader problems mental well-being, communication gaps, and interpersonal issues within the workplace environment.

"In light of this, the resident doctors at JJ Hospital have collectively raised their voice in a peaceful and responsible manner, seeking redressal of their concerns. They have made specific demands to the concerned authorities, and we at FAIMA fully support their call for a safe, respectful, and supportive working atmosphere," the association stated, urging the state government to address the demands of JJ Hospital doctors swiftly and sensitively.

Also read- Toxic Work Culture allegations rocks JJ Hospital: Resident doctors seek Removal of HOD Dermatology, Threaten Indefinite Strike