Bhopal:
The suicide attempt by an assistant professor from the Emergency and Trauma Department of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal has triggered serious controversy, with allegations emerging of a toxic work environment, excessive administrative pressure, and internal departmental conflicts.
According to reports, the doctor allegedly attempted to end her life following prolonged mental stress linked to workplace issues, including the issuance of an absence notice despite her having informed the department in advance about her academic leave.
Allegations of Administrative Harassment
As per a Bhaskar report, the assistant professor had informed the department on August 25, 2025, about her academic leave for attending a conference scheduled from September 25 to 27, 2025. Screenshots submitted by her reportedly show that the Head of Department (HOD) had seen the message.
However, on the evening of September 10, 2025, she was issued a notice titled “Serious Misconduct”, which she described in her written reply as painful, insulting, and mentally disturbing. She clarified that she had not intentionally violated any rules and stated that the strongly worded notice caused her extreme psychological distress.
Immediate Administrative Action
In view of the seriousness of the allegations, AIIMS Bhopal has removed the HOD of the Emergency and Trauma Department from his position. He has been temporarily attached to the Anaesthesia Department, where he will work under Dr Vaishali, Head of Anaesthesia.
Additionally, the institute has constituted a high-level confidential inquiry committee, which will report directly to the Union Health Ministry. The panel will investigate allegations of workplace stress, departmental factionalism, administrative pressure, and the use of intimidating notices.
Doctor’s Condition Remains Critical
Earlier, Medical Dialogues reported that the assistant professor allegedly attempted suicide by administering a high dose of an anaesthetic drug at her residence through an IV cannula that had been inserted earlier at the hospital.
AIIMS officials confirmed that by the time she was rushed back to the hospital by her husband, she had suffered cardiac arrest. Doctors performed CPR three times, restoring her heartbeat after approximately seven minutes.
Due to prolonged oxygen deprivation to the brain during cardiac arrest, she sustained severe neurological damage. An MRI conducted 72 hours later revealed Global Hypoxic Brain Injury, indicating extensive damage to brain cells. She remains on ventilator support in the ICU, and her condition is critical.
Notices and Departmental Restrictions
Following the initial notice, another departmental directive reportedly stated that, except for two doctors, all faculty members would require prior appointments to meet the HOD. The doctor is said to have become further mentally distressed after this development.
Centre Steps In
After the incident came to light, AIIMS Bhopal management held an emergency meeting with the Union Health Ministry, which led to decisions on:
- Removal of the HOD
- Departmental restructuring
- Formation of a high-level inquiry committee
The committee will also review earlier complaints, including one filed by another assistant professor from the same department against the HOD.
The case has raised serious concerns about mental health, workplace safety, and administrative accountability within premier medical institutions, prompting calls for systemic reforms to protect healthcare professionals.
