NMC holds emergency anti-ragging meeting after PG medical student suicide

NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) held an emergency anti-ragging meeting on Wednesday after the tragic incident when 27-year old PG medical student died by suicide after alleged sexual harassment in Kanyakumar.

In the suicide note, she said that she faced alleged sexual harassment, physical and mental abuse, and toxicity by her professor and seniors in the Anesthesia department.

Expressing deep condolences to the family and friends, the commission said it is “committed to a comprehensive investigation and ensuring justice for the victim”. It also urged all medical colleges to foster a safe and supportive environment for students and “pledges to take stringent actions against any form of harassment within the medical community”.

In the emergency meeting, the NMC has directed the college to submit a detailed report on the incident by tomorrow, October 12. It has also ordered the institute to expedite the investigation into the alleged harassment.

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“A formal letter will be sent to the State Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) for an independent inquiry. The DMER is required to complete and submit its report within 15 days, ensuring a swift and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to Dr. Preety's (name changed) tragic demise,” the official statement read.

Pending the inquiry of the incident, all matters of the college which are under consideration have been put on hold by the NMC.

"The NMC is steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a zero-to by streamlining the making process and involving external agencies, policy towards ragging and sexual harassment. We aim to create an environment where students can focus on their education without fear or intimidation." Yogender Malik, member of the ethics and medical registration board and head media division at NMC said.