Four Senior Doctors Suspended After Surat PG Student's Death; Probe Ordered
Four senior resident doctors have been suspended for six months following the death of a 30-year-old postgraduate medical student at a government college hostel in Surat on Sunday. The student, identified as Dr Harsh Pandya, was found dead in his room. The suspension was ordered after preliminary findings suggested alleged ragging and harassment, according to officials.
Dr Pandya, a resident doctor in the Microbiology Department at New Civil Hospital for the past six months, was pursuing his postgraduate studies. On Sunday morning, he was scheduled for emergency duty but failed to report. When a senior doctor called his phone, it was switched off. A fellow resident doctor was then asked to check on him.
Arriving at Room No. 1005 in Building B of the Boys' PG Hostel, the doctor found the door locked from the inside. Despite repeated calls and attempts to open it, there was no response. Security staff was called to break down the door, and Dr Pandya's body was found hanging from a ceiling fan. Police were immediately informed.
Following the death, Gujarat's Health Minister Praful Panseriya ordered an internal inquiry under the supervision of Dr Jayesh Sachde, Additional Director of Medical Education and Research. The minister directed that all aspects of the case be thoroughly investigated, including whether the doctor faced any ragging or mental or physical harassment by any individual or authority. He also asked for a detailed report within 24 hours.
Dr Pandya's father, Dr Subhash Pandya, said he received a call at around 8:30 am on Sunday from a friend of his son, asking him to come to Surat immediately. The father stated that Harsh did not have any problems with his studies. However, he noted that there had been occasional issues between seniors and juniors in the department regarding work.
Investigation so far indicates that four senior resident doctors were allegedly involved in continuous harassment of Dr Pandya. Their names have been given as Dr Nirali Vasave, Dr Anuj Maheshwari, Dr Dikshit Ghevariya, and Hina Bhutne. They have been suspended from the hospital, hostel, and all teaching activities for six months.
According to the family, Dr Pandya had recently gotten engaged. Police are now recording statements from students and doctors residing in the hostel regarding the alleged ragging and harassment. The investigation is also examining any link between the alleged ragging and departmental pressure.
The case has raised concerns about ragging in medical institutions, and the authorities have assured that strict action will be taken based on the inquiry findings. A detailed report is expected to be submitted to the health ministry shortly.
