Rajkot Civil Hospital Row: Medical Officer Detained After Allegedly Abusing Junior Doctor, Superintendent Removed

A misconduct complaint involving a senior medical officer and a junior woman doctor at Rajkot Civil Hospital triggered a protest by resident doctors and swift action by the state authorities, with police detaining the accused doctor and the hospital's civil superintendent being removed from her post within hours.

The incident took place in the emergency ward on Friday night, when junior doctor Dr Krisha Shingala allegedly asked that oxygen be administered to a critically ill patient. Medical Officer Dr Ashwin Ramani allegedly abused her and behaved aggressively following the request, prompting resident doctors to stage a dharna.

Resident Doctors Protest After Emergency Ward Incident

According to the account provided by the hospital authorities, Dr Shingala asked for oxygen to be given to a patient whose condition was reportedly critical.

Ramani allegedly reacted angrily, questioned the junior doctor and abused her. The incident led resident doctors to stop work and stage a protest at the hospital.

The agitation came against the backdrop of the recent controversy over alleged ragging and harassment involving junior doctors in Gujarat, adding to concerns over the treatment of resident doctors in government medical institutions.

Following discussions with the protesting doctors, police registered a complaint late at night and the agitation was brought to an end after assurances of action.

Police Detain Medical Officer

The state government took note of the incident and ordered an urgent review involving senior and junior doctors.

A report on the incident was prepared and sent to the state government in Gandhinagar. Health Minister Praful Pansheriya also spoke to the woman doctor and assured her of appropriate legal action.

Police subsequently detained Dr Ramani in connection with the complaint.

The government is also considering further departmental action, including possible suspension, according to officials.

Rajkot Civil Hospital Superintendent Removed

In another significant development, Civil Superintendent Dr Monali Makadia was removed from the post with immediate effect.

Dr Kamal Dodia has been appointed as her replacement.

The decision came after the government reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident and the response of the hospital administration.

Speaking earlier in the day, Makadia had said the incident was condemnable and disclosed that junior doctors had previously complained about Ramani as well. She said he had been warned by the hospital administration at that time.

Later, after her removal, Makadia said she had submitted her resignation as civil superintendent some time ago and that the government had accepted it on Friday.

Doctors Question Superintendent's Powers

The action against the superintendent has triggered discussion within the medical community over the powers available to hospital administrators to deal with misconduct by medical officers.

Senior doctors have pointed out that major disciplinary actions such as suspension or dismissal of government medical officers are generally handled by higher authorities.

Some doctors have also raised concerns about the difficulties faced by civil hospital superintendents when dealing with employees who have strong institutional or political backing.

They argue that the superintendent's post carries significant responsibility but limited authority in certain disciplinary matters, a situation that has reportedly discouraged some senior doctors from taking up the position in the past.

Government Moves Quickly After Resident Doctors' Protest

The sequence of events—from the alleged misconduct in the emergency ward and the resident doctors' protest to the police action and removal of the superintendent—unfolded within around 15 hours.

The government has sought to demonstrate that complaints of harassment or misconduct involving junior doctors will be acted upon promptly, particularly amid renewed scrutiny of working conditions and disciplinary mechanisms in Gujarat's medical colleges and government hospitals.

The police and health authorities are expected to examine the allegations against Dr Ramani and determine further legal and departmental action.