Resident Doctor Suicide: Gujarat Suspends Microbiology HOD for 90 Days Over Alleged Negligence
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Gujarat Health and Family Welfare Department has suspended Dr Sumaiya Mulla, a Class-I Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology, for 90 days with immediate effect following the death of first-year resident doctor Dr Harsh Padha, amid allegations of ragging and mental harassment.
The action was taken on the instructions of Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, with the suspension order citing alleged negligence in Dr Mulla's disciplinary and institutional responsibilities.
Suspension Linked to Alleged Failure of Duty
According to the official order, Dr Mulla has been directed to remain headquartered at the Government Medical College, Vadodara, during the suspension period.
She will not be allowed to leave Vadodara without prior written permission from the competent authority. The order also bars her from taking up private employment or engaging in business activities during the suspension.
Any violation of these conditions could lead to the suspension of her subsistence allowance and further disciplinary action, according to the directives.
Government Reiterates Zero-Tolerance Stand on Ragging
The Gujarat government said it maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards ragging and psychological harassment in educational and medical institutions.
Authorities said action would be taken against individuals found compromising student safety or failing to discharge their institutional responsibilities, irrespective of their academic or administrative position.
The department has also issued directives to government medical colleges across Gujarat to strengthen their anti-ragging mechanisms.
Anti-Ragging Panels to Be Strengthened
All government medical colleges have been directed to immediately reactivate and reinforce their Anti-Ragging Committees and Anti-Ragging Squads.
The government has asked the institutions to ensure closer vigilance and immediate reporting of complaints or incidents involving ragging and other forms of misconduct.
The action comes following the death of Dr Harsh Padha, a first-year resident doctor who was allegedly subjected to ragging and mental harassment. The circumstances surrounding the case and the allegations are subject to the ongoing process and any further action by the competent authorities.
