PG medico Dies of Pneumonia, Family Alleges Harassment by Seniors, Probe Ordered

Surat: In a shocking turn of events, the family of a postgraduate medical student at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Surat, who recently died of pneumonia at a private hospital on Monday, have alleged that he was harassed by seniors and continued working hard even when he was seriously ill.

The father of the deceased PG medico met with the in-charge Dean of the GMC Dr. Nimesh Verma on Tuesday and handed over a complaint letter in this regard.

It has been alleged in the letter that the deceased medico died because of tireless work given by seniors even after knowing that he was unwell and suffering from pneumonia.

Apart from submitting the complaint letter to the Institute head, the family has also forwarded the letter to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taking cognisance of the complaint by the deceased's family, the medical college authorities have set up a team of three professors to investigate the incident. 

Also Read: Ragging at GMC Haldwani: 10 MBBS students expelled from hostel for 6 months, barred from attending classes, fined Rs 25k each

As per the latest media report by Indian Express, while pursuing his postgraduation at the institute, Dr. Ramani was also deployed at the surgery ward of the New Civil Hospital to treat patients. During the last week of November, the student became ill and he was granted a few leaves. Even though he resumed work, his health continued worsening. Thereafter, on December 31, he reportedly collapsed on duty while monitoring a patient. 

In response to the allegations labeled by the family of the deceased. the in-charge Dean Dr. Verma told the Daily, "It is an unfortunate incident of death of our student and a doctor. We have received an application from Dr Rajendra’s father against the seniors. We have constituted a team of three professors to probe the incident."

The recent media report by The Blunt Times adds that writing a letter to PM Modi, the family of the 26-year-old PG medico alleged that their son suffered prolonged physical torture, mental harassment, and ragging by senior doctors. The father of the deceased mentioned in the letter, "My son’s death should not become another statistic" adding "We demand stringent action and legal steps against those responsible for his suffering, to ensure justice is served not only for my son but for all students facing similar cruelty within the medical college."

Response on Social Media: 

Responding to the death of the PG medico, an MBBS student mentioned on X (formerly Twitter), "Tragic Dr Rajendra Ramani. 1st Year Surgery Resident, Surat Civil Hospital. Yesterday He Passed Away Because of Severe Pneumonia Residents Allegedly got Severe Infections bcoz of No sleep, No Regular food, No Leave In Starting Days of Fever."

"SHAME FOR GUJARAT MEDICAL FRATERNITY Dr Rajendra ramani. 1st year Surgery resident , Surat civil hospital. He passed away because of severe pneumonia," mentioned another X user.

Also Read: Ragging at Kolkata Medical College: 2 orthopaedics medicos allege harassment from seniors, doctors stage protest