MKCG Medical College Paediatrics PG Students accuse associate professor of mental harassment, demand action

Berhampur: Controversy has erupted at MKCG Medical College and Hospital (MKCGMCH) in Berhampur after several second-year postgraduate students from the paediatrics department filed a written complaint against their associate professor, accusing her of mental harassment and torture. The students have demanded her removal from the institution and warned they will discontinue their studies if the administration takes no action within 72 hours.

In their complaint, the students alleged verbal abuse and public humiliation by the professor, including the use of derogatory language, shouting, and baseless accusations. They claimed they were emotionally abused and threatened, which left them feeling fearful and helpless.

The students further alleged that the associate professor deliberately disrupted their academic and clinical responsibilities, overburdening them with work, denying them basic support, and penalising them unjustly.

Also read- BDS student commits suicide, alleges mental harassment in note, 2 staffers arrested

They also alleged that the professor's behaviour and torture have reportedly driven some students to express suicidal thoughts, while many are battling anxiety and depression, and a few of them are currently on antidepressants.

In response to the allegations, the college authorities have constituted a four-member inquiry committee to probe the matter. The panel comprises three senior professors, including the medical superintendent and the registrar, reports TOI.

The incident came to light after the students submitted a memorandum to the dean-principal and also informed the superintendent of the medical college and hospital about the professor during a meeting in his chamber.

In their complaint, the students sought the urgent administrative intervention and removal of the professor. They stated, "We have been subjected to repeated verbal abuse and public humiliation, including derogatory language, shouting, and accusations without any basis. Mental harassment through unrealistic expectations, unwarranted blame, and constant demoralization, are often resulting in breakdowns."

"Emotional abuses include dismissive and demeaning behaviour, manipulation, and threats – fostering an environment of fear and hopelessness. Intentional disruption of academic and clinical responsibilities, where residents are deliberately overloaded, denied basic support, and unjustly penalised," the students alleged as reported by Odisha Tv

"This environment is breaking us down as individuals and professionals. Several of our colleagues are contemplating dropping out of the course, despite the financial and career repercussions, just to escape this daily trauma," the students further said.

"Even more alarming, some have expressed suicidal ideas and many of us are battling anxiety and depression, with a few of us currently having sought professional are on antidepressants. The Department, which should nurture growth and learning, has become a space of constant fear and degradation," the students added.

They further warned, "If the administration doesn't address the allegations in the next 72 hours, we will be forced to discontinue our studies to protect ourselves from the torture,"

A member of the panel said that an elaborate discussion was held regarding the students' complaints. However, the associate professor was on leave, so her response was not recorded. The committee is expected to submit its report to the dean-cum-principal soon.

The students wrote that the letter was not just for themselves, but for the future of all residents at the institute. "We remain committed to our profession and to our patients, but we can't survive or perform under constant psychological assault," they wrote in the complaint.

Also read- 40-year-old Psychiatrist who helped many battle mental stress dies by suicide