Surat, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Four senior doctors at Surat New Civil Hospital have been suspended following a state government inquiry into the suicide of a first-year resident doctor, with the preliminary findings indicating ragging and repeated mental harassment, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said on Monday.
Pansheriya said a special investigation committee constituted after the incident completed its inquiry within 24 hours. The panel worked through the night from 9.30 p.m. and recorded statements from more than 80 first-year resident doctors.
A forensic post-mortem was also ordered as part of the investigation.
According to the preliminary report of the Anti-Ragging Committee, four senior doctors were found directly responsible for allegedly subjecting the deceased doctor to mental harassment and have been suspended with immediate effect.
The Head of the concerned department at New Civil Hospital and members of the teaching staff have also been served show-cause notices for allegedly failing to discharge their responsibility of ensuring the safety and proper management of junior doctors.
“No suicide note was found,” Pansheriya said. However, statements recorded from fellow students indicated that the deceased doctor had allegedly faced repeated mental harassment and torture at the hands of senior doctors.
The minister said the findings had prompted the state government to initiate strict action against those found responsible.
“Harassing junior doctors is not our culture,” Pansheriya said, warning senior doctors against ragging and mental harassment. He said those entering the medical profession should uphold their responsibility towards society and cautioned that involvement in ragging could have consequences for their careers.
Pansheriya also urged junior doctors and medical students facing harassment, ragging or threats related to examinations not to take any extreme step. He asked them to approach their Dean, College Director, the minister or the Gujarat government without fear.
“I assure every student that the government stands with you and will work to protect your safety and future,” he said.
The minister also spoke to the deceased doctor’s father by telephone, expressed his condolences and assured the family that action would be taken against anyone found responsible and that justice would be ensured.
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