📍 Complaint Sent to Chief Minister
In a significant development, an associate professor at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has written to Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging workplace harassment and administrative obstruction. In her letter, she has sought a fair and impartial inquiry into the matter.
🏥 Background of the Allegations
🏢 Concerns After Department Formation
According to reports, the woman doctor stated that after the establishment of the independent department she is associated with, the principal and chief superintendent initially appreciated her efforts. However, she alleged that his behaviour later changed, raising concerns about professional conduct.
🗣️ Repeated Meeting Requests
🚪 Insistence on Office Interactions
The associate professor claimed that the principal repeatedly insisted that she meet him in his office at the college building, despite opportunities to interact within the hospital premises. She stated that she felt uncomfortable with these requests and chose to avoid such meetings.
⚠️ Alleged Inappropriate Remark
💬 “Absolutely Free and Alone” Comment
In her letter, she further alleged that during a subsequent interaction, the principal made a remark suggesting she contact him when she was “absolutely free and alone.” She described the comment as inappropriate and unwelcome, stating that she responded politely but distanced herself from further engagement.
📢 Complaint to Higher Authorities
📨 Director of Medical Education Informed
The associate professor said she informed the Director of Medical Education about the distress caused by the incidents. In her representation, she stressed the importance of safeguarding professional ethics in medical institutions and ensuring dignity and safety for women officers in the workplace.
🏛️ Call for Fair Inquiry
🔎 Demand for Transparent Investigation
By addressing her complaint directly to the Chief Minister, the doctor has sought an impartial probe into the allegations. She emphasized that such matters must be handled sensitively to maintain trust within public healthcare institutions.
🏥 Similar Allegations Elsewhere
📍 Case Reported in Mumbai
The issue comes amid other reported cases of alleged workplace harassment in medical institutions. Recently, a former Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai was accused by a senior medical officer of harassment, discrimination, and administrative obstruction following a change in leadership.
⚖️ Broader Workplace Ethics Concerns
👩⚕️ Protecting Dignity in Healthcare
The GMCH case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace conduct in healthcare settings. Medical professionals and administrators are increasingly calling for stronger mechanisms to ensure safe work environments, transparent grievance redressal systems, and strict adherence to professional ethics within institutions.
