Ahmedabad: Taking a hard stance against recent ragging incidents in state medical colleges, the Indian Medical Association Gujarat State Branch (IMA-GSB) on Friday wrote to Praful Pansheriya, MoS (Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education), Government of Gujarat, demanding zero tolerance and action as per National Medical Council (NMC) regulations.
Concerns Over Recurrence
The letter stated, 'The recurrence of such incidents raises serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of existing preventive mechanisms and the accountability of those entrusted with maintaining discipline and safeguarding students.'
Demand for High-Level Inquiry
IMA officials demanded a high-level independent inquiry at BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad and Sir T Medical College in Bhavnagar.
They called for strict disciplinary and legal action against all individuals directly or indirectly involved in ragging, harassment, intimidation, or abetment. The letter emphasized that accountability should not be limited to identified perpetrators. It urged thorough investigation into the roles of mentors, senior residents, unit chiefs, heads of departments, hostel authorities, and administrative officers where supervision failure, negligence, concealment, encouragement, or tolerance of ragging occurred.
Anti-Ragging Measures
IMA also demanded detailed reports from anti-ragging committees and squads, and reasons for failure in preventing such incidents.
A senior IMA official told TOI that all state government medical colleges must be directed to review compliance with anti-ragging measures immediately. 'This includes functioning of anti-ragging committees and squads, making GMC and IMA part of these committees, hostel monitoring mechanisms, student grievance redressal systems, anonymous reporting channels, and periodic sensitization programmes for students and faculties,' the official said.
Enforcement of NMC Regulations
The letter stated that provisions of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and UGC anti-ragging regulations must be enforced. Violations should attract stringent penalties including suspension, expulsion, withholding of academic privileges, hostel eviction, criminal complaints where applicable, and other punishments under NMC regulations and laws.
IMA members added that while punishing students involved is welcome, they cannot function in isolation. 'NMC rules are clear – the ecosystem of oppression must be dismantled with instilling trust. Why must students approach highest authorities? Why cannot they approach local authorities at college or state level?' asked a member.
