Ahmedabad: A group of 10 PG medical students, resident doctors in the orthopaedics department at MK Shah Medical College, stopped reporting to duty on Jan 26 as a sign of protest against an assistant professor. The assistant professor allegedly forced the students to work on holidays and used threats and humiliation.The college authorities, in response, constituted a three-member committee to investigate the allegations. The assistant professor was put on leave until the inquiry was ongoing, said Dr A D Leuva, the dean of the medical college. According to available information, 12 students are currently pursuing a PG course in orthopaedics at the college. Of the total, 10 submitted a complaint against assistant professor Dr Tirth Patel, alleging mental harassment. After the complaint was lodged, the students allegedly stopped reporting to duty without informing the college authorities. Attempts by the college to contact them over the phone were unsuccessful, as their mobile phones were switched off. Subsequently, the college administration informed the parents of the students about their absence. A source said, “The committee recorded statements from nurses, patients, and other staff members. The students were asked to record their statements for the inquiry.” Sources within the college also presented a different version of events, in which the students were found absent during the ward rounds by Dr Patel. He reported it to the head of the department. Following the incident, allegations were made. They added that Dr Patel does not have authority over leave approvals or thesis evaluation.
