VIMSAR 1st year Paediatrics medico attempts suicide by overdose, excessive work pressure, harassment suspected

Sambalpur: In a shocking incident, a first-year postgraduate medical student from the paediatrics department of Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, allegedly attempted suicide by consuming around 30 phenobarbitone tablets.

According to media reports, the medico was rescued in time and is currently in stable condition. She is undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and her condition is said to be improving.

While the exact reason behind the extreme step is yet to be officially confirmed, reports suggest that she was under significant work pressure and mental distress.

Also read- Thane doctor attempts suicide by consuming sleeping pills

Police reportedly recovered a suicide note in which the student accused a senior paediatrician of prolonged mental harassment. She was posted under his unit and had allegedly been facing sustained pressure for over a month, reports Pragativadi.

Meanwhile, Orissa Post reported that she may have faced mental harassment from the head of the department when she had previously complained regarding her duty schedule, though this has not been officially confirmed, as she did not file a formal complaint with the authorities.

The student had joined the department around a month ago. Her husband is also a doctor and is pursuing postgraduate studies in neurosurgery at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

The incident has been officially confirmed by the in-charge Director, Lal Mohan Nayak and he will hold discussions with the concerned Head of the Department to understand the situation better.

Speaking to Kalinga TV, Dr Nayak, said, "She became critical after consuming around 30 tablets. Soon, she was rescued and admitted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of VIMSAR. Currently she is undergoing treatment and her condition is stable."

When asked about the reason, he said that "It is not immediately known under what circumstances the student consumed the tablets but a detailed probe will be initiated once she recovers and action will be taken accordingly."

No formal complaint has been filed with the police so far.

Meanwhile, the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) of Vimsar has expressed concern over the incident. Members of the JDA visited the hospital, reviewed the student’s health condition, and held discussions with her family members. An urgent general body meeting (GBM) of the JDA was also convened, during which the members unanimously condemned the incident and raised serious concerns over alleged excessive workload and denial of leave to the resident, adds TOI

The JDA also held discussions with the medical authorities and put forward several key demands. These include a time-bound and impartial inquiry into the incident, strict action against those found responsible, and the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy against workplace harassment and ragging. The association further demanded mandatory six-eight hours of daily rest for residents, provision of post-night duty rest, and proper resting facilities during duty hours to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of doctors.

Also read- Ambernath doctor attempts suicide amid alleged harassment over child's death