MAMC Junior Doctors Allege Coercive 'Tradition' of Paying for Senior Meals Persists
In a troubling revelation, junior resident doctors at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) in New Delhi have come forward to allege that a long-standing practice of funding meals and snacks for their seniors continues unabated, despite administrative efforts to curb it. Multiple residents have detailed how this coercive system imposes significant financial burdens and fosters an environment of intimidation.
Financial Strain and Coercive Practices
According to accounts from both junior and senior residents, first-year postgraduate doctors are allegedly pressured into bearing food expenses for second- and third-year residents and senior doctors during duty hours. This often amounts to thousands of rupees monthly, forcing some to borrow money from friends to manage the costs. "We rotate payments among ourselves to manage the cost. I come from a lower-income family and have to borrow money from friends to pay my share," one resident disclosed, highlighting the economic hardship faced by many.
The issue gained attention after a social media post flagged various coercive practices on campus, prompting investigations. Residents describe this as part of a broader culture where what would typically be considered ragging is normalized under the guise of "tradition" or "personality development." "It's called personality development here — a form of bonding with seniors. We comply to avoid getting targeted or falling into their bad books," another resident explained.
Allegations of Harassment and Punishment
Beyond financial demands, residents report instances of humiliation and punishment. "We are given ‘murga' punishment, reprimanded in front of patients and humiliated for mistakes," a resident said, noting that those who refuse risk being boycotted in a system where juniors heavily depend on seniors for clinical learning, especially in fields like surgery. "You can't afford to be on the wrong side of them," the resident added.
One junior resident, speaking anonymously, described a degrading experience: "They called us inside the duty doctor's room and asked us to stand in anatomical position in a line. 'Aankhen third button se upar nahi uthani chahiye. Speak only when asked,' we were told." Others alleged that juniors are sometimes asked to perform acts meant to amuse seniors during such sessions, with these practices often normalized as part of assimilation.
Administrative Response and Defiance
In 2023, the MAMC dean issued a circular addressing these concerns, stating, "It has been reported that some residents are being compelled by their seniors to pay for their snacks/meals in the name of tradition in MAMC. You are requested to enquire into any such practice in your respective departments and take appropriate steps." However, residents claim the practices continue informally, with no response from Dean Munisha Agarwal when contacted for comment.
Some senior residents defended the system, arguing it is harmless and voluntary. "It's a harmless tradition, humne bhi kiya hai. We paid when we were in first year. It's voluntary — they can refuse. Waise bhi, kya ye bachche mana karenge jab ye second year mein aayenge?" one said. Another added, "Some discipline is required. If they make mistakes, they will be reprimanded. Physical harm should not be there, bas."
Broader Implications and Institutional Culture
The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) president, Neeraj Azad Yadav, condemned any form of harassment, stating, "We strongly condemn any form of harassment or intimidation and remain committed to ensuring a safe working environment for residents." He noted that no incidents of physical abuse have been formally reported, but acknowledged that such practices are not unique to MAMC and exist across medical institutes, often normalized within senior-junior dynamics.
While anti-ragging norms prohibit coercion and harassment, residents say these practices persist in a grey zone — not officially sanctioned but rarely challenged. This raises concerns about the broader culture in medical education, where power imbalances can lead to exploitation and financial strain for junior doctors striving to advance their careers.
