Chandigarh: GMCH anesthetist allegedly sexually assaulted by OT technician, resident doctors hold strike

"Such incidents and lack of adequate response bring our morale down as doctors, running the hospital round the clock and questions our safety at the workplace. Anaesthesia residents are running critical care units and OT's without any delay in patient care. In such a scenario an ongoing delay in bringing the accused to justice is not acceptable to us", the doctors expressed in its recent statement.

As per a recent media report by The Indian Express, the complainant doctor alleged that on June 27 after 6 pm she was on duty in the anesthesia department and had to go to the storeroom in order to get some medical supplies.. However, the accused OT technician allegedly forcibly grabbed her from behind and pulled her towards him.

"As soon as I tried to run away from him, he held me from the front and molested me. I somehow struggled to get away from him and ran out of the storeroom. He then held me and threatened me to not speak about this or he would take my life," the survivor stated in the complaint.

Subsequently, the complainant approached the police and filed a DDR at sector 34 police station on June 27th. The complainant claimed that she had to wait till after midnight after which police promised immediate action against the accused. However, the very next day she again visited the station but the police were not co-operative after which she finally approached SSP and an FIR was ultimately registered. The accused was booked under sections 354 (outraging the modesty of a woman) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.

The complainant also alleged that police tried to discourage her from lodging the case by stating that it would take years to resolve the case. Meanwhile, doctors of GMCH last week also visited the police station to take action. "We were at the police station from 6 pm to 8 pm. It was after we reached that the police tried calling him (the accused) and when the number was found switched off, visited his house which too was found to be locked. They have now told us that his cell number has been put out to be traced," a resident informed the daily.

Dr. Ankita Garg, Treasurer of RDA GMCH Chandigarh told Medical Dialogues, " The incident took place on 27th July when the resident doctor and the OT technician both were on duty. We decided to go on strike as a token of protest as even after five days police did not take any step against the accused and remained inactive. This kind of instance of sexual assault inside the hospital premises must not be taken lightly. However, we only boycotted no emergency services during the protest and the COVID and emergency services remained unaffected. I heard that the accused has surrendered today morning; however, we are yet to get an official statement regarding the progress of the case."

" The victim is our fellow resident and she is a strong individual, She has the support of the association in her fight for justice", added the doctor.

President of RDA, Dr. Sandeep further stated, "We condemn this heinous act by a staff member and want prompt and amplified efforts from the police force in making sure the culprit is arrested as soon as possible. "

Dr Jaswindar Kaur, Director GMCH on the other hand told the daily, "Police complaint was lodged first by the student who then came to register her complaint to our office the next day. The complaint received by us has been marked to the Sexual Harassment Committee and yes, we will definitely work out on how to curb such incidents."