Bhopal : The Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to appoint Dr. Aruna Kumar as Director of Medical Education (DME) at Bhopal’s Gandhi Medical College (GMC) has triggered protests from doctors and medical staff, reigniting controversy over her past tenure.
On Saturday, members of the Junior Doctors Association (JDA) and the Medical Teachers Association (MTA) at GMC staged a protest on the college campus, demanding that the government reverse its decision. Protesters cited two alleged suicide cases of junior doctors during Dr. Kumar’s earlier stint as Head of the Department (HoD) of Gynaecology, along with complaints about her behavior toward staff.
Allegations Resurface
Speaking to IANS, MTA General Secretary Dr. Rakesh Malviya claimed that Dr. Kumar had been removed twice in the past due to what he described as “inappropriate conduct” with colleagues and subordinates.
“She was removed from the post of HoD in 2023 following the tragic suicide of junior doctor Bala Maheshwari, which was linked to allegations of mental harassment,” Dr. Malviya said. “Her reinstatement—and now promotion—has shocked many of us.”
Protesters held placards and banners bearing the images of Bala Maheshwari and Akanksha Maheshwari, both junior doctors who died by suicide in 2023 and early 2024 respectively. In Bala’s case, a WhatsApp message reportedly blamed constant mental torture by Dr. Kumar.
While police investigations were conducted in both incidents, no formal charges were filed against Dr. Kumar. However, the controversies led to her temporary removal from her HoD role, although she was later reinstated.
Strike Warning
The MTA has submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla, demanding the immediate cancellation of Dr. Kumar’s appointment.
“Today’s protest was symbolic,” said Dr. Malviya. “If the appointment is not rolled back, we will escalate to an indefinite strike, and the government will bear full responsibility for any disruption to medical services at GMC.”
Background
Gandhi Medical College, one of the largest and most prestigious government medical institutions in Madhya Pradesh, has previously drawn national attention over incidents of student suicides and administrative challenges.
The state government has not yet issued a formal response to the protests or the allegations surrounding Dr. Kumar’s past.
