Vishaka panel investigates allegations of sexual harassment at YCM Hospital in Pimpri | News from Pune

In an anonymous social media post, the doctor wrote, “The head of the department regularly sexually harasses female residents of the college. The department also regularly hosts alcohol parties with full support and participation of the head of the department. These incidents have happened many times now. Everyone is silent as the head of the department can influence their grades and make students fail, not to mention disrupting their final paper. One such case was hushed up under the guise of MCI guidelines which would have failed the college if such an incident had come to light. I request you all not to admit any of your female relatives for any kind of medical education in this college.”

The article is titled “Department head commits sexual assault.”

Speaking to The Indian Express, the PCMC chief said, “After being informed about the post, I immediately asked the dean of YCMH to set up an inquiry committee. The committee has submitted its report. Now, I have asked the central Vishaka Commission, which is in the municipal council, to investigate the matter and submit a report. I will take strict action in the matter.”

Dr Wable said he had forwarded the report to the city commissioner. “I cannot reveal anything…” he added.

Dr. Deepali Ambike, a member of the inquiry committee, declined to comment. “I was part of the committee, I cannot comment on this.”

However, Dr Ambike said the post was anonymous and no one had submitted a written complaint to the committee. “As per Vishaka guidelines, a complaint has to be submitted in writing,” she said.

Dr. Anil Roy, a retired doctor and health officer of PCMC, said, “I retired in 2018, but I don’t remember if the YCMH administration ever received any complaints of sexual harassment. There was one case where a telephone operator harassed a nurse and we took action.”

Former dean Dr Padmakar Pandit said, “I was the dean for three years. During that time, there was one complaint at the junior level… This particular case is serious… It is not just about sexual harassment but also about victimization of PGI students.”

Former chief medical officer Dr Anand Jagdale said: “I headed the YCMH for 23 years, but I cannot recall ever receiving any complaints about harassment of junior doctors by senior doctors.”