Ragging incidences at MKCG Medical College in Berhampur have been increasing; the most recent instance was on December 21. In the most recent instance, four doctors and a second-year postgraduate student physically attacked a postgraduate surgery student in the college canteen. After the attack, the student suffered bleeding wounds. The college administration responded quickly, suspending four doctors—including three senior residents and an assistant professor—and barring the second-year postgraduate resident from the residence hall for six months.
The accused physicians are Dr. Veera, a postgraduate senior resident in general surgery; Dr. Pradhan and Dr. Mohanty, senior residents in the pediatric department; Dr. Swain, an assistant professor in orthopedics; and Dr. Sahoo, a second-year postgraduate orthopedics resident. After reviewing the complainant’s statement and the available evidence, the police filed a case and sent notices to the accused.
After the complainant, the accused, and faculty members were called to a council meeting on December 23 to record their comments, the institution took action. Additionally, the college was instructed to take disciplinary action in the incident by the Director of Medical Education and Training (DMET). The student was allegedly assaulted by the five suspects at the dormitory canteen at around 12:30 in the morning. Although the precise cause of the dispute is still unknown, a report speculates that it might have had something to do with the student’s violation of the canteen’s smoking ban.
Prof. N. Behera, the head of the pediatric department, showed up at the scene of the assault and told the accused to vacate the dormitory. However, the accused allegedly threatened Prof. Behera rather than obeying. After that, the matter was brought to the attention of the dean, Dr. Suchitra Dash, who notified the appropriate authorities and took the required steps, such as ordering the hostel canteen to close from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Additionally, assistant professors and senior residents were told not to enter the postgraduate residence halls without the warden’s prior consent.
The college’s zero-tolerance attitude for indiscipline was underlined by Dean Dr. Dash, who also promised that anybody engaged in such behavior will face harsh consequences. This episode demonstrates the persistent problem of ragging as well as the medical college’s dedication to upholding order and guaranteeing students’ safety.
SOURCE :
MEDICAL DIALOGUES
