Resident Doctors Demand Removal of HoD, Highlight Toxic Work Culture and Mental Torture
Mumbai: In a shocking development, resident doctors of the Paediatrics Department at Sir JJ Group of Hospitals and Grant Medical College have launched an indefinite strike after a third-year resident allegedly attempted suicide due to prolonged harassment and a toxic work environment under the department’s Head of Department (HoD).
The postgraduate medico reportedly consumed Lorazepam tablets in an attempt to end her life. She was rushed to the casualty department and later stabilized in the MICU. The incident has sparked outrage among her peers, who have accused the HoD — also the PG guide and local guardian of the student — of mental harassment, public humiliation, and discrimination.
Doctor’s Final Cry for Help Ignored, Say Residents
According to a statement issued by resident doctors, the medico had repeatedly faced verbal abuse and belittlement, often in front of patients’ families. She reportedly reached out to the HoD a day before the suicide attempt, warning that she was in a fragile mental state and this was her “last cry for help.” Her plea, however, allegedly went unanswered.
“The trauma became unbearable. She tried to seek psychiatric help, but the pressure and threats – including being barred from appearing in her MD exams – pushed her to the brink,” said the resident doctors in their statement.
Pattern of Harassment and Favouritism Alleged
The striking doctors allege this is not an isolated incident but part of a long-standing pattern of abuse. The department, they claim, runs on a culture of favouritism, with “good residents” being favoured for rotations while others are sent to peripheral postings for months.
“There are arbitrary pay cuts, complete disregard for family emergencies, and no concern for the physical or mental wellbeing of residents. The HoD doesn’t trust even senior faculty and constantly shifts blame onto juniors,” said one of the protesting doctors.
They added that the toxicity is so deep-rooted that passed-out students refuse to return to the department even as senior residents or assistant professors.
Demands: HoD’s Removal and Systemic Reforms
In their official demand, the resident doctors have called for the permanent transfer of the HoD, immediate mental health support for affected residents, and an end to toxic work culture. They have vowed to continue the strike until these demands are met.
“To think our lives matter less than the arrogance of those in power is heartbreaking. We will not be silent anymore,” their statement read.
Central MARD and MSRDA Back Protest, Write to Minister
The strike has received strong support from Central MARD (Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors) and MSRDA (Maharashtra Senior Resident Doctors Association). Both organizations have written to the State Minister for Medical Education, Hasan Mushrif, demanding urgent action.
Calling the suicide attempt “tragic and alarming,” the associations noted that the toxic environment in the Paediatrics department is a long-standing issue, not an isolated case. They demanded:
- Immediate suspension of the HoD pending inquiry
- Independent, time-bound investigation into departmental harassment
- Mental health support and safety mechanisms for all resident doctors
- Institutional reform to prevent similar incidents across the state
“If timely action is not taken, the system itself becomes complicit in the loss of young, dedicated lives,” the associations warned, adding they are prepared to escalate the issue statewide if needed.
History of Similar Complaints in JJ Hospital
This is not the first time such allegations have surfaced from JJ Hospital. In an earlier incident, the Dermatology Department faced similar accusations, prompting MARD to demand the HoD’s removal and initiate a strike.
The current crisis has once again brought to light the urgent need for systemic change in medical institutions to safeguard the mental health and dignity of resident doctors — the backbone of public healthcare.
