Days after medical student's suicide following alleged harassment, NMC calls for anti-ragging meeting, seeks report from college.
The NMC has asked the medical college for a detailed report. (Wikimedia Commons)
Barely a week after the death by suicide of Dr Sugirtha Sivakumar, a 27-year-old postgraduate resident doctor at a private medical college in Tamil Nadu, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has sought a detailed report from the college in Kanniyakumari.
At an urgent anti-ragging meeting called on Wednesday, 11 October, the commission sought details of the circumstances that led to the death of Dr Sivakumar, who allegedly faced sexual and other forms of harassment.
Details from the young doctor’s purported suicide note had shocking allegations of both mental and physical torment, and sexual harassment, at the hands of professors and peers in the Anesthesia Department of the college.
The NMC, taking a firm stance against such heinous acts, pledged stringent action against any form of harassment within medical institutions.
The NMC press release.
“We are committed to a comprehensive investigation and ensuring justice for the victim,” read the the NMC’s statement issued after the meeting.
“Colleges are expected to create an atmosphere of security and encouragement for their students,” it added.
The commission further instructed Dr Sivakumar’s college to submit a detailed report on the matter as early as Thursday.
The statement said a decision had been taken to also ask the state’s Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) to conduct an independent inquiry.
DMER’s report is anticipated within 15 days to ascertain the circumstances leading to Dr Sivakumar’s death.
The body of Dr Sugirtha Sivakumar, a postgraduate student at the Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS) in Tamil Nadu, was tragically discovered in her hostel accommodation on 6 October.
Police stated that Dr Sivakumar, enrolled in her second year of Anaesthesiology, took her own life. A purported suicide note, attributing her dire action to instances of alleged harassment and abuse, was found next to her.
The letter has accused three seniors of harassment.
It specifically called out Dr Paramasivan for sexual harassment and both physical and mental abuse, while Dr Harish and Dr Preethi were mentioned for their toxic behavior.
The note poignantly said, “Sorry Appa, I love you the most.” Another sentence, inscribed in green, urged understanding and empathy, noting that, “Even those in despair can appear joyful. Show kindness, reserve judgment, and support them.”
Dr Sugirtha, a 2nd year PG Anesthesia Doctor at Sree mookambika Medical College in #TamilNadu Nadu allegedly did suicide due to sexual harrassment ,physically & mentally abuse & toxicity by her professor & seniors in departments#MedTwitter @PTI_News @PMOIndia @CMOTamilnadu pic.twitter.com/UoSZM9ojoK
— Indian Doctor🇮🇳 (@Indian__doctor) October 7, 2023
In response, local authorities have initiated an investigation, interrogating Professor Paramasivan and senior students, Harish and Preethi, named in the letter, for the second consecutive day
Friends and well-wishers of Dr Sivakumar, still grappling with their loss, have mobilised to seek justice. They scheduled a meeting with Director General of Police, Thiru Shankar Jiwal. “We aim to expedite the justice process for Sugirtha,” Dr Vimala P, a batchmate of the deceased, told the media.
Former DGP of Tamil Nadu, M Ravi, highlighted the case on the social media platform X (previously Twitter), advocating a thorough investigation. He posted: “The girl’s purported final letter demands scrutiny. Actions must be instituted to curb such reported instances of harassment.”
Meanwhile on Tuesday, a representation was submitted to the principal secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Gagandeep Singh Bedi.
The emotional letter lamented the loss of a promising doctor and urged immediate, decisive action against such grim realities in medical institutions. Among its demands were swift legal proceedings, suspension of the accused individuals, restitution to the victim’s family, and the establishment of supportive infrastructure like a 24/7 harassment helpline.
The group’s proactive measures also include suggestions such as mandatory Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) workshops in medical colleges, counseling for victims, and encouraging more women in leadership positions within medical institutions.
RIP Dr Sugirtha 🙏🏻
The shameless coward seniors killed her!
The seniors made her work for more than 20 hours a day &used to torture her mentally& sexually (HOD) !
Ultimately, fed up with the atrocities of the demons, the doctor died by suicide. #MadeTwitter #Justice_4_Sugirtha https://t.co/SOF6Qj58s4 pic.twitter.com/loMz9zb5Ov— Indian Doctor🇮🇳 (@Indian__doctor) October 11, 2023
Emphasising urgency, the letter appealed, “Violence against doctors needs to be addressed swiftly and decisively to set a strong precedent.”
A meeting has been scheduled with the DGP on Thursday to demand a quick investigation of the case and swift action.
The incident has intensified concerns regarding student safety and the presence of a hostile environment within medical educational institutions.
(Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on Tamil Nadu Health Department’s helpline 104 and Sneha suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)
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