Bhopal – Doctors across government medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh staged black band protests on Monday, opposing the appointment of Dr Aruna Kumar as the new Director of Medical Education (DME). The protest was seen in institutions across Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Rewa, and Sagar, where both junior doctors and medical teachers treated patients while wearing black armbands.
In Bhopal, the protest was particularly prominent at Gandhi Medical College (GMC), where Dr Kumar had previously served as Head of the Gynaecology Department. The protestors cited her alleged autocratic leadership style and held her responsible for the circumstances surrounding the suicide of Dr Bala Saraswati in August 2023.
The Junior Doctors Association (JUDA) and Progressive Medical Teachers’ Association (PMTA) jointly led the protests. They submitted memoranda to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Principal Secretary, and their respective college deans, demanding immediate revocation of Dr Kumar’s appointment.
JUDA President Dr Kuldeep Gupta said, “We fear that her return as DME will create a toxic environment not only in GMC and Hamidia Hospital but across all government medical colleges in the state.”
Despite the protest, doctors continued patient care, ensuring that services were not disrupted.
