Ahmedabad Medical College Sees Protest by PG Students Over Alleged Harassment
In a significant development at MK Shah Medical College in Ahmedabad, a group of ten postgraduate medical students, who are resident doctors in the orthopaedics department, initiated a protest by ceasing to report to their duties starting January 26. This action was taken as a direct sign of protest against an assistant professor, Dr Tirth Patel, whom they accuse of subjecting them to mental harassment and unfair working conditions.
Allegations of Harassment and Unfair Treatment
The students have lodged a formal complaint alleging that Dr Tirth Patel forced them to work on holidays, utilized threats, and engaged in humiliating behavior. According to available information, there are currently twelve students pursuing a PG course in orthopaedics at the college, and ten of them submitted this complaint, highlighting the severity of the situation. The protest began without prior notification to the college authorities, leading to immediate concerns about patient care and academic responsibilities.
College Response and Investigation Committee
In response to the allegations, the college authorities acted swiftly by constituting a three-member committee to investigate the matter thoroughly. Dr A D Leuva, the dean of MK Shah Medical College, confirmed that Dr Tirth Patel has been placed on leave until the inquiry is completed. The committee has been actively recording statements from various stakeholders, including nurses, patients, and other staff members, to gather a comprehensive understanding of the events.
Communication Breakdown and Parental Notification
Attempts by the college to contact the protesting students over the phone proved unsuccessful, as their mobile phones were switched off. This communication breakdown prompted the college administration to inform the parents of the students about their absence from duty, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the need for resolution.
Conflicting Narratives and Authority Clarifications
Sources within the college have presented a different version of events, suggesting that the students were found absent during ward rounds conducted by Dr Patel, who then reported this to the head of the department. It is important to note that, according to these sources, Dr Patel does not hold authority over leave approvals or thesis evaluation, which may influence the context of the allegations. The committee is tasked with reconciling these conflicting accounts to ensure a fair and just outcome.
Implications for Medical Education and Student Welfare
This incident underscores broader issues related to student welfare and working conditions in medical education institutions. The protest by PG students highlights the need for robust mechanisms to address grievances and prevent harassment, ensuring a conducive learning environment. As the investigation progresses, stakeholders are closely monitoring the outcomes, which could set precedents for handling similar cases in the future.
