A CCTV image from Government Medical College (GMC), Bhavnagar, has emerged showing two resident doctors being made to pose as a 'murga' inside an operation theatre. The image was shared by Dr Dhruv Chauhan, national spokesperson of the Indian Medical Association Junior Doctors Network, along with a screenshot of a message by a junior resident describing a pattern of humiliation.
CCTV Image and Allegations
The CCTV footage appears to show two orthopaedic surgery resident doctors being forced to squat like a 'murga' (rooster) inside the operation theatre. Sharing the image, Chauhan wrote, 'The moment I received this CCTV picture from GMC Bhavnagar (Gujarat), my mind froze for a moment thinking how mentally and physically devastated these Orthopaedic surgery resident doctors must have felt at this moment when they were made a murgha openly in the Operation Theatre.'
In an earlier post, Chauhan shared screenshots of messages allegedly sent by a first-year Orthopaedics resident. The student claimed, 'They make us murgha in the OT,' and added, 'They make us stand whole night and ask us to send selfie every half an hour with time to make sure we don't get any sleep.' The resident also alleged verbal abuse by seniors.
Inquiry and Action
The issue was highlighted by the United Doctors Front (UDF). Following the allegations, the college's anti-ragging committee conducted an inquiry after receiving directions from Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya. During the inquiry, written statements were taken from first-year, second-year, and third-year students of the Orthopaedics department, along with statements from faculty members and support staff.
Based on the findings, the Gujarat health department took action against six students. One student has been suspended for two years, three students have been suspended for one year each, and two students have been suspended for six months. All six students have also been directed to vacate their hostel rooms.
The health department said the suspended students will not be allowed to participate in academic, clinical, research, or any other college-related activities during the suspension period.
