Ahmedabad Medical College Resident Doctors Allege Bias in Ragging Investigation
In a significant development at MK Shah Medical College in Ahmedabad, resident doctors from the orthopaedics department have formally approached the National Medical Commission (NMC) with serious allegations regarding the handling of a recent ragging complaint. The doctors have raised concerns about procedural lapses and apparent bias in the ongoing inquiry process.
Complaint Against Professor and Investigation Committee Conduct
The controversy centers around a written complaint filed by the resident doctors accusing Professor Teerth Patel of engaging in ragging activities and other serious misconduct. Following the submission of this complaint, the college administration constituted an investigation committee to examine the allegations. However, the residents have now expressed deep dissatisfaction with how the committee has conducted its proceedings.
In their detailed representation to the NMC, the doctors have alleged that the committee treated them "as if they are offenders" rather than complainants seeking justice. They described experiencing aggressive and threatening language during questioning sessions, which they claim created an atmosphere of fear and discouraged open testimony. This approach, according to the residents, fundamentally compromised the fairness of the investigation.
Historical Context and Procedural Concerns
The resident doctors have highlighted what they consider a crucial oversight in the committee's approach. They pointed out that Professor Teerth Patel had previously faced suspension following an earlier complaint filed by Dr. Harsh Chauhan. The current complainants argue that this historical context should have been considered when assessing the recent allegations, but they claim the committee appeared unaware of this prior disciplinary action.
Furthermore, the doctors raised procedural concerns about their treatment during the investigation. They requested permission to be accompanied by colleagues or guardians during hearings to avoid appearing alone before the committee, a request that was reportedly denied. The committee cited existing regulations and protocol as justification for this denial, but the residents believe this decision placed them at a disadvantage during the proceedings.
Call for NMC Intervention and Institutional Response
The representation to the National Medical Commission specifically urges the regulatory body to ensure that the inquiry follows proper procedure and maintains complete impartiality. The resident doctors are seeking NMC's intervention to guarantee a fair investigation that addresses their concerns about the committee's conduct and approach.
As of now, neither MK Shah Medical College nor the investigation committee has publicly responded to these allegations. The silence from the institutional authorities has added to the residents' concerns about transparency and accountability in handling such sensitive matters. This case highlights ongoing challenges in addressing ragging complaints within medical education institutions and raises important questions about investigation protocols and complainant protection mechanisms.
