Kozhikode Medical College students oppose appointment of acting Psychiatry HoD amid harassment allegations
Kozhikode: The proposed appointment of a faculty member accused of mentally harassing postgraduate (PG) medical students as the acting Head of the Department (HoD) of Psychiatry at Government Medical College (GMC), Kozhikode, has drawn opposition from the students’ union, which has urged the authorities to reconsider the move.
According to the news reports, union functionaries, along with a section of students, took out a protest march on the campus on Thursday, September 24, opposing the reported move. Earlier, the union had submitted a letter to college Principal K.G. Sajeeth Kumar, raising concerns over the proposed appointment.
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Earlier this year, two faculty members from the Department of Psychiatry were transferred to other government medical college hospitals after PG students filed a complaint alleging mental harassment. An official inquiry was subsequently conducted into the allegations.
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that as many as 12 postgraduate doctors from the Department of Psychiatry at Kozhikode Medical College have accused two faculty members of mental harassment, prompting the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) to set up a three-member inquiry committee.
However, the faculty members obtained a stay against the transfer orders and continued in their respective posts. One of the faculty members is now reportedly being considered for the position of acting HoD based on seniority.
The students’ union has opposed the reported appointment, citing concerns over the ongoing proceedings and the faculty member’s interaction with PG students.
“In view of the investigation conducted into the mental harassment charges and the ongoing proceedings, we strongly request that the concerned faculty member should not be appointed as the HoD or entrusted with responsibilities involving extensive interaction, supervision, or administrative authority over the PG students during the period. Such an arrangement will adversely affect the well-being and working arrangement of the PG students and may also raise concerns regarding the fairness of the ongoing proceedings,” the union leaders said in their letter, reports The Hindu
The students urged the college authorities to make an alternative arrangement until the matter is resolved. They also warned that a strike would be launched if appropriate action was not taken.
Following the protest, the college authorities reportedly assured the students that the issue would be discussed with the Directorate of Medical Education.
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