GMCH Gondia medical student attempts suicide after alleged reprimand by doctor

NEW DELHI: A medical student attempted suicide after he was allegedly reprimanded for his conduct by a doctor at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Maharashtra's Gondia district, a hospital official said on Tuesday. The GMCH has formed a committee to probe into the incident, which took place on Sunday, he said.

The GMCH official said Avesh Kumar, a third-year student who hailed from Rajasthan, attempted to hang himself from the ceiling fan at his rented accommodation around 2 am on Sunday and was saved by his friends. He said Kumar had been upset after Dr Prashant Bagde, the head of the community medicine department, allegedly reprimanded him about his conduct and attendance.

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In a suicide note, Kumar accused Dr Bagde of using objectionable words for his mother and that he was unable to bear the insult. The official said the student shared a post on WhatsApp before attempting suicide, and one of his friends got alerted and broke down the door of his room with the help of other students and saved him. GMCH Dean Dr Kusumakar Ghorpade said the three-member committee would submit its report on Wednesday, and it will be sent to the Director of Medical Education for further action.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.