The Union Health Ministry took action in response to serious allegations of harassment made by Jothivanan Perumal, a junior resident, against the General Medicine Department of JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research). The resident filed a complaint, citing incidents of physical and psychological harassment during his three-year postgraduate residence. The Health Ministry, through Deputy Director General B. Srinivas, has directed the JIPMER administration to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report within 15 days.
Perumal's complaint accuses the Head of Department (HOD) of intentionally failing the MD general medicine exit exams, as well as of discriminatory behaviour and physical injury. He claimed to have attempted suicide due to the mental stress and suffering caused by the alleged harassment.
Furthermore, the accusation raised larger issues, as 30 outgoing residents and alumni from the medicine department, including Perumal, signed a petition to the dean. The petition expressed concern over five residents attempting suicide in the previous year and stated that one in every seven residents in the medicine department was using antidepressants. The department had a significantly higher exit exam failure rate than other clinical departments, with five students failing compared to three in all other departments combined. Perumal's specific case pointed out his failure in practical despite securing high ranks in national examinations. He secured the 7th rank in the MD final examination and the 28th rank in the INI-SS examination conducted by AIIMS, earning a spot in DM neurology at JIPMER.
In response to the claims, JIPMER indicated that the issue was handled promptly and appropriately. However, concerns persist, with additional residents reporting intentional failure in exit exams and alleging harassment and discrimination during their three-year postgraduate residency.
The gravity of the issue caused the Health Ministry to emphasize the importance of a thorough investigation. The allegations not only expose potential misbehaviour inside the General Medicine Department, but they also shed light on the larger mental health issues that residents face. The reported suicides, as well as the prevalence of antidepressant use among residents, highlight the importance of conducting a complete review of the medical institution's working environment and support mechanisms.
As the investigation progresses, the Health Ministry's order demonstrates a commitment to addressing such serious claims and protecting the safety of medical professionals undergoing training. It also serves as a reminder of the significance of creating a friendly and respectful environment within medical institutions in order to improve the mental and emotional well-being of residents and junior professionals.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
