MUMBAI: The two-member committee investigating the allegations made by the resident doctors of the dermatology department of JJ Hospital against their head has stated that they have not yet concluded and the investigation is expected to take another couple of days.
In the meantime, members from the medical education department and JJ authorities have asked the 21 resident doctors of dermatology to resume work.However, they have refused to do so until the department head is removed.
The investigation committee, led by Ajay Chandanwale, joint director of the department of medical education and research (DMER), and Vinayak Kale, dean of Pune’s BJ Medical College, conducted interviews with all faculty members of the dermatology department at JJ and GT Hospital (which has a skin unit) on Monday. The committee spoke to resident doctors of all three years on Friday.
Starting Monday, all resident doctors from the dermatology department have collectively taken mass leave. Last week saw a rebellion within the entire department against Mahendra Kura, the department head, citing his “dictatorial” approach as a form of mental harassment for both the residents and faculty members alike. The students also alleged that his inappropriate treatment approaches may have led to six deaths, including that of a 16-year-old girl.
The resident doctors have particularly demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths and have raised concerns about the composition of the inquiry committee—an orthopedic surgeon and a psychiatrist— emphasizing that the committee should also incorporate an independent subject expert. One of the resident doctors pointed out the death of a 16-year-old girl, who was suffering from systemic sclerosis, and was advised high dose of steroids. “It was in clear violation of treatment guidelines. Another case was treated similarly, and both patients didn’t survive,” said the resident.
Chandanwale, however, said they are discussing with faculty members to gain insights into how cases should have been treated. “It’s a doctor’s prerogative on how he chooses to treat his patients, but we are still looking into the charges,” he said. He said the inquiry is expected to take a few more days and urged resident doctors to resume work. Kura told TOI that he is cooperating with the investigation and declined to comment further.
In the meantime, members from the medical education department and JJ authorities have asked the 21 resident doctors of dermatology to resume work.However, they have refused to do so until the department head is removed.
The investigation committee, led by Ajay Chandanwale, joint director of the department of medical education and research (DMER), and Vinayak Kale, dean of Pune’s BJ Medical College, conducted interviews with all faculty members of the dermatology department at JJ and GT Hospital (which has a skin unit) on Monday. The committee spoke to resident doctors of all three years on Friday.
Starting Monday, all resident doctors from the dermatology department have collectively taken mass leave. Last week saw a rebellion within the entire department against Mahendra Kura, the department head, citing his “dictatorial” approach as a form of mental harassment for both the residents and faculty members alike. The students also alleged that his inappropriate treatment approaches may have led to six deaths, including that of a 16-year-old girl.
The resident doctors have particularly demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths and have raised concerns about the composition of the inquiry committee—an orthopedic surgeon and a psychiatrist— emphasizing that the committee should also incorporate an independent subject expert. One of the resident doctors pointed out the death of a 16-year-old girl, who was suffering from systemic sclerosis, and was advised high dose of steroids. “It was in clear violation of treatment guidelines. Another case was treated similarly, and both patients didn’t survive,” said the resident.
Chandanwale, however, said they are discussing with faculty members to gain insights into how cases should have been treated. “It’s a doctor’s prerogative on how he chooses to treat his patients, but we are still looking into the charges,” he said. He said the inquiry is expected to take a few more days and urged resident doctors to resume work. Kura told TOI that he is cooperating with the investigation and declined to comment further.
