JJ Hospital PG Paediatrics suicide attempt: Resident doctors demand HoD's removal, threaten complete shutdown
Mumbai: Nearly a week after a third-year paediatrics resident doctor attempted suicide and no strict action was taken against the accused Head of Department (HOD), resident doctors at Sir Grant Government Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals have issued an ultimatum to the administration. The doctors have warned of a complete shutdown of elective medical services if the administration fails to remove the department head from her position by July 30.
As an initial step, the doctors have launched a peaceful black ribbon protest to voice their concerns without disrupting patient care. They have assured that all emergency and routine duties will continue uninterrupted during this symbolic protest. However, if no action is taken by 5 PM on July 30, they will escalate the protest into a full suspension of elective services.
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The doctors, who are members of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), are currently protesting against what they describe as a “toxic work culture” in the Paediatrics Department. The association is demanding a safer and more respectful work environment for the paediatric residents at the college.
In a press note issued by the JJH MARD yesterday, the association stated, "As medical professionals, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to patient care, which continues to remain our foremost priority. To ensure a peaceful demonstration without compromising healthcare services, JJH MARD has decided to initiate a black ribbon protest—a symbolic and non-disruptive form of protest—which shall continue until our legitimate demands are addressed. All resident doctors will continue to fulfil their duties with sincerity and efficiency during this period of symbolic protest."
The association further stated that it maintains zero tolerance toward toxic work culture and remains steadfast in its efforts to protect the mental health, academic dignity, and safe working environment of resident doctors.
"We would like to place on record that the entire faculty of the Department of Paediatrics, nursing staff, and other healthcare workers of the Paediatrics ward have expressed their full and unequivocal support for the resident doctors. However, if justice is not served by 5:00 PM on 30th July 2025, it would mark a deeply unfortunate and systemic failure. In such an event, JJH MARD will be compelled to escalate the protest into a shutdown of all elective services after 5:00 PM on the same day," the association warned.
Two days ago, the association met with the Honourable Medical Education Minister, Shri Hasan Mushrif Sir, and conveyed the ongoing issues faced by Paediatric residents at JJ Hospital, along with the current critical situation. In response, the minister gave a positive and encouraging response to their concerns.
Medical Dialogues recently reported that around 42 resident doctors from the Paediatrics Department at Sir Grant Government Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals have been staging a protest on the hospital premises since Saturday, demanding the permanent removal of the HoD and initiation of criminal proceedings against her.
Amid the ongoing protests, the accused Head of Department has only been placed on compulsory leave and temporarily removed from her position. No strict action has been taken yet against her, while the Directorate of Medical Education and Research’s (DMER) report is still awaited.
