DME Panel Concludes Inquiry into Mental Harassment Allegations at Kozhikode Medical College

A three-member panel appointed by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) has completed its investigation into allegations of mental harassment against two faculty members in the Department of Psychiatry at Government Medical College, Kozhikode. The inquiry was initiated following complaints from twelve postgraduate doctors who accused the faculty of consistent public rebuke, delaying thesis approvals, and threatening exam failure to enforce compliance. The panel, comprising principals from Kottayam and Thrissur medical colleges and an ethics committee secretary, conducted interviews with the complainants, nursing staff, student union representatives, and the accused faculty. Due to ongoing supplementary exams, some hearings were paused, leading to the use of online sessions for certain stakeholders. A final report is expected shortly. Meanwhile, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has demanded the suspension and transfer of the accused faculty, along with their removal from examination and thesis evaluation duties. The SFI also called for strengthening the grievance cell mechanism for postgraduate students. This development highlights ongoing concerns regarding workplace conduct and student welfare in medical educational institutions in Kerala.