Tensions mount at SN Medical College after PG medico's suicide: Resident doctors demand HoD's ouster, faculty urge fair inquiry

Jodhpur: The tragic suicide of a resident doctor from SN Medical College has sparked tensions on the campus, with the resident doctors demanding strict action against the HoD Pharmacology and faculty members seeking an investigation into the allegations.

On June 15, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) submitted a memorandum alleging that the medico took the extreme step due to mental harassment and continuous pressure from the Head of the Orthopaedics Department over his thesis. The RDA claimed that the doctor had made serious accusations before his death and demanded an immediate removal of the HOD, along with a high-level independent inquiry.

Similarly, the association, in its latest official press release, also threatened to stage a protest and symbolic strike, stating that if no action was taken by June 17, all resident doctors would observe a symbolic work boycott on June 18 from 8 AM to 10 AM, affecting OPD, ward, and elective OT services. 

Also read- Resident doctor dies after suicide attempt, accuses HoD Pharmacology of harassment in last breath

Since the association saw no action by the authorities, they held a two-hour strike at Jodhpur's SN Medical College, boycotting services across various departments. 

In this regard, RDA president Heeralal Yadav criticised the lack of action, stating that the silence from the administration undermines trust in the medical system.

Medical Dialogues few days ago, reported that a resident doctor at SN Medical College, Jodhpur, who allegedly committed suicide after consuming a sulphos tablet on Friday, sadly passed away during treatment at SMS Hospital on Saturday night.

After his death, the family members of the deceased, a 3rd-year postgraduate student in Pharmacology, refused to accept his body on Sunday, alleging that he was subjected to mental harassment by the Head of the Pharmacology Department. It has been reported that the professor’s alleged constant pressure and toxic behaviour over his thesis caused him severe stress and emotional distress.

Before breathing his last, the doctor gave his dying declaration while lying on the hospital bed. His statements were recorded in a video that went viral on social media. In the video, he named the head of the pharmacology department at SN Medical College and accused him of mental harassment and torture.

However, the Rajasthan Medical College Teachers’ Association (RMCTA) on June 17 n submitted a representation to the Police Commissioner urging the police department to refrain from taking any action against him or other faculty members without an investigation. 

As per a TOI news report, the association emphasised the professor's commendable academic and administrative record. It stressed that any decisions regarding the matter should be free from external pressures, urging the chief minister to ensure a fair investigation.

“If any action is taken against a medical teacher without a full investigation, then all medical teachers may be compelled to boycott work and launch a protest movement," said the faculty association. 

This strong difference in views between resident doctors and senior faculty has clearly shown that the medical community is divided. One side wants quick action and justice for their colleague's death, while the other side is asking for a fair investigation and wants to protect the rights of the teachers.

Also read- Jodhpur Resident Doctor Attempts Suicide by Consuming Pesticide