Patna NMCH nurse accuses health manager of sexual harassment

Patna: A disturbing incident has recently surfaced from the Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), where a video allegedly showing a health manager molesting a nurse has gone viral, leading to widespread outrage and calls for justice. 

The accused, identified as a health manager in the Paediatric Department, was seen in the video attempting to molest a 25-year-old nurse inside the hospital premises. According to the news reports, the incident occurred around 1 p.m. in the Nutrition and Rehabilitation Centre of NMCH, allegedly when the nurse was alone in the area.

In response, NMCH Superintendent Rashmi Prasad acted swiftly and constituted a five-member inquiry committee to probe the incident. The committee includes senior doctors from various departments- B.P. Jaiswal (Paediatrics), Pradeep Karak (Ophthalmology), Deepti Rai (Obstetrics), the Chairperson of the Gynaecology Department, and a female legal expert.

The inquiry team has reportedly conducted separate closed-door sessions with both the accused and the victim on Friday and Saturday. The statements from both parties have been documented and sealed for further examination by senior officials in the Bihar Health Department.

As news of the incident spread, the hospital’s nursing staff organized protests, demanding immediate action against the accused health manager. Nurses from various departments gathered to voice their concerns, calling for his suspension and strict legal action. 

The atmosphere at the hospital became even more tense when the state Health Minister Mangal Pandey visited the hospital to inaugurate a new 100-bed ward. During his visit, the victim nurse personally handed over a written complaint to Minister Pandey, urging him to ensure swift justice.

Medical Dialogues recently reported that Health Minister Mangal Pandey inaugurated the new 100-bed medicine ward at Nalanda Medical College Hospital (NMCH). The new ward was built at a cost of Rs 750 lakh.

Also Read: New 100-bed medicine ward opens at Patna's NMCH

The Minister has yet to publicly comment on the matter, though sources say he has directed officials to ensure a transparent and timely investigation, reports Yes Punjab.

In response to the public outcry, NMCH Superintendent Rashmi Prasad assured the public that the hospital administration was taking the matter very seriously. Speaking to Yes Punjab, Prasad said, “The matter is being probed by a panel of senior doctors, including three women. Strict action will be taken once the final report is submitted.”

The incident has sparked strong condemnation from medical professionals, human rights organisations, and the public, highlighting growing concerns about the safety of women in hospital workplaces, particularly in government-run institutions.

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The five-member inquiry committee is expected to submit its report to the Bihar Health Department in the coming days. This report will determine whether the accused will face departmental or legal action.