Satara doctor dies after suicide attempt, doctors' associations demand time-bound inquiry

Mumbai: A 28-year-old medical officer posted at Phaltan Sub-District Hospital in Maharashtra's Satara district died at Sion Hospital on Monday, four days after attempting suicide at Sion railway station. His death has prompted doctors' associations to seek an independent inquiry into alleged workplace harassment, administrative pressure and external interference.  

According to news reports, the medical officer had attempted suicide on August 27, after climbing a telecom tower at Sion railway station at around 7.45 am. Police and fire brigade personnel reached the spot and attempted to persuade him to come down. He was subsequently brought down from the tower and shifted to Sion Hospital for treatment, where he later died on Monday.

The circumstances surrounding the suicide attempt are currently under investigation. According to doctors' associations, the medical officer had been facing alleged workplace-related difficulties, including internal disputes and pressure related to his transfer. Allegations have also been raised regarding external and political interference in the functioning of the hospital. 

The Dadar Government Railway Police (GRP) is registering a case of alleged abetment of suicide based on a complaint filed by the deceased's family. The case will subsequently be transferred to Phaltan for further investigation, TOI reported. 

The Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) and BMC-MARD have demanded an independent and time-bound inquiry to determine the circumstances that preceded the suicide attempt. They have sought examination of allegations relating to harassment, threats, coercion and undue interference in the medical officer's professional duties. 

The doctors' bodies have also called for accountability if the inquiry establishes that any individual or authority contributed to the circumstances surrounding his death. They stressed the need for institutional mechanisms to protect doctors from workplace harassment and ensure that medical professionals can discharge their duties without intimidation or external interference.

According to Free Press Journal, the medical officer was reportedly distressed over internal disputes at the hospital and his transfer. It is also alleged that he had previously attempted suicide after writing a suicide note on his hand, stating that he was not receiving justice and that the administration had failed to act on his grievances. 

He travelled to Mumbai last week, released a video on social media demanding action against the Medical Superintendent, and attempted to take his own life, reports PTI.

The government has suspended the Medical Superintendent, and further investigation was underway, officials said. 

The police investigation and proposed inquiry are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the medical officer's death and examine the allegations raised by his family and doctors' organisations.