PGIMER Suicide: Medicos urge immediate action on harassment cases

There have been multiple undocumented cases of harassment directed towards residents by the same consultant, resulting in two residents abandoning their DM degrees midway and leaving the institute

Following a tragic incident in which a recently joined doctor attempted suicide at PGIMER, the students and doctors have the formation of a comprehensive and impartial collegium to address these incidents.

A distressing incident occurred in the Hepatology Department of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, PGIMER, involving a newly joined DM Resident who tragically attempted suicide on July 18. The primary reason cited for this grave action was the continuous workplace harassment inflicted upon him by a Hepatology consultant during ward rounds in front of patients.

As per the allegations, the consultant made personal remarks and humiliated the resident, which was clearly beyond academic discussion.

In her suicide note, the resident also alleged that the associate professor in the hepatology department subjected him to humiliation and made his life unbearable since he joined the institute, the doctor had injected himself with midazolam, a drug used to produce sleepiness and relieve anxiety before surgery or certain procedures, but was saved in time by his peers

The Association of Resident Doctors Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh has expressed its concern about this issue. The association has also alleged that this is not an isolated incident, as there have been multiple undocumented cases of harassment directed towards residents by the same consultant, resulting in two residents abandoning their DM degrees midway and leaving the institute. This situation is both alarming and unacceptable.

A committee has been formed to investigate this matter. In a statement, the statement states: “The ARD firmly stands in support of strictest action against the concerned person and requests immediate removal of a concerned person from any academic activities in future.”

The association has called for the implementation of a robust system to report such malpractices to the Director of PGIMER. It has also demanded the immediate implementation of a mandatory workplace harassment prevention and awareness program to sensitize all staff, faculty, and residents about the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive environment.

Read more:

• IIT Bombay students express solidarity with Manipur violence victims; Demands CM to Resign
• BHU opens UG Registration for new candidates; PG Registration from July 25