AIIMS Sexual Harassment Row: Nurses demand protection for complainant

New Delhi: Amid ongoing tensions at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, the Nurses Union has written to the Ministry of Health asking for protection for the nurse who filed a sexual harassment complaint against the head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department and other witnesses in connection with the incident.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the AIIMS administration removed the concerned doctor from the post of Head of the Cardiac Surgery Department, after the Nurses' Union made a series of complaints to the institute's director and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in this regard. The concerned doctor was accused of sexual harassment and character assassination by a female nurse.

Allegedly, the complainant claimed that the accused used sexually abusive and deeply derogatory language against her, aimed at tarnishing the complainant's character and dignity. "These remarks were not only sexist, vulgar, and demeaning, but they also constitute serious character assassination," mentioned the complaint.

Also read- AIIMS Faculty protest demanding reinstatement of removed HoD CTVS

Following the administrative action, the Faculty Association launched a protest, demanding the reinstatement of the concerned doctor as the head of the Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS). As of now, the protest is ongoing as the doctors reaffirmed their decision to continue protesting until the administration revokes its order removing the accused doctor from his position.

The Nurses Union has now expressed concern that ongoing pressure from the protesting faculty members could negatively influence the proceedings of the case.

In their letter to the ministry, they asked for non-retaliation measures for all complainants, both past and present, proper involvement of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and a fair and independent inquiry, without any influence.

"Kindly take necessary action and instruction to the concerned for required ICC involvement in the further complaints, in addition to previous complaints. Kindly ensure protection and non-retaliation safeguards for all complainants, both past and new, who have shown immense courage in speaking up. Direct the administration to continue to uphold independence and fairness in the face of any external or organisational pressure," the letter stated.

Medical Dialogues had also reported that the faculty members of the institute have demanded the reinstatement of the doctor. Expressing solidarity and demanding that the authorities reinstate the concerned doctor as the head of the Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), the faculty members of AIIMS launched a sit-in protest inside the Ramalingaswami board room.

Days later, the Faculty Association has reaffirmed its decision to continue protesting until the administration revokes its order removing the accused, doctor from his position.

Speaking to TNIE, Dr Amrinder Singh Malhi, General Secretary of the Faculty Association of AIIMS, said, "We maintain our stance that his removal was not justified. While our protest will not hamper patient care services, we will continue our sit-in till the administration revokes its order."

Meanwhile, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) has also reacted to the situation. They said it is wrong to show this issue as a fight between doctors and nurses.

"It is unfortunate that the matter is being portrayed in some quarters as a clash between two associations, and it is extremely disturbing to see how such portrayals can adversely affect the reputation and integrity of our institute. We strongly feel that such an interpretation is misplaced and unhelpful to the spirit of unity and cooperation that defines our institution. This issue should not be seen as a conflict between any two groups of healthcare professionals," the RDA letter stated.

Also read- AIIMS New Delhi removes HoD CTVS over sexual harassment allegations