The medical community is reeling from yet another suicide at AIIMS Bhopal, where assistant professor Dr. Srishti allegedly ended her life due to prolonged abuse by HOD Dr. Parvez. The NHRC has issued stern notices to key authorities, signaling a serious push for justice in this disturbing case.
Details emerging from NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo’s X post paint a grim picture. Dr. Srishti faced ongoing harassment and public humiliation from her superior. Shockingly, even after three complaints to hospital management, no action was taken; instead, efforts were made to hush up the issue. Desperate and broken, she overdosed on sedatives, a method mirroring a prior tragedy at the institute.
Kanoongo emphasized the complaint’s severity, notifying Bhopal police, AIIMS Bhopal officials, and the Health Ministry. ‘Investigation reports are mandated from all. We stand with the victim’s family in this profound loss and commit to punishing the culprits while reforming the system,’ he stated.
Just months earlier, Dr. Rashmi Verma, another assistant professor in the emergency and trauma center, was discovered semi-conscious in her hostel on December 11. She had injected an excessive dose of anesthetic. Despite intensive care for 25 days, she passed away. Police recovered a suicide note absolving others, yet the pattern of anesthetic overdoses raises red flags about a toxic work culture.
Experts are calling for urgent interventions, including mental health support, anti-harassment protocols, and oversight in medical academia. This incident underscores the urgent need to address power imbalances and foster safe environments for healthcare professionals striving to serve the nation.