SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 23: The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has written to Jharkhand’s Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari, urging for the immediate removal of Dr. PN Mahto, Principal of Mednirai Medical College Hospital (MMCH) in Palamu.
FAIMA has written that the medical fraternity of Jharkhand is rattled by alleged inappropriate behaviour, torture and threats of the MMCH principal to UG students.
Notably, weed, empty liquor bottles, girls’ clothes in boys’ room were found in hostel searches at MMCH Daltonganj on January 18.
Concerns Over Principal’s Behavior
In its letter, FAIMA expressed concern over the medical community in Jharkhand, which has been shaken by the principal’s alleged actions.
Dr. M. Janga, Chairman of FAIMA, criticized Dr. PN Mahto, stating, “There have been several incidents which put a question mark on the working style of MMCH principal and prove Dr. PN Mahto is an inefficient administrator.”
This is the first time FAIMA has raised such concerns about the leadership of a medical college principal in Jharkhand.
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Allegations of Unprofessional Conduct
Dr. Jaideep Kumar Choudhary, National Executive Member of FAIMA and Patron of Jharkhand Junior Doctors Networks (JDN), confirmed receiving a copy of the letter. He acknowledged that the national body had taken the allegations seriously.
A copy of the letter has been sent to the Chief Minister, the Additional Chief Secretary for Health, the Deputy Commissioner of Palamu, and the Superintendent of MMCH.
Dr. Choudhary condemned the principal’s behavior, stating that students would be forced to take further action if the situation isn’t addressed.
Inaction Despite Complaints
FAIMA also expressed concerns over the failure of the MMCH Superintendent to act despite being repeatedly informed by the students about the principal’s unethical behavior.
According to the students’ allegations, the principal made inappropriate comments, including, “You girls should keep the testosterone levels of your male batch mates on check.” He was also reported that the principal said, “If you (girls) want to make physical relations, then go to a hotel.”
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Questions Raised Over CCTV Surveillance and Intimidation
Additionally, FAIMA raised concerns about the principal’s actions regarding the CCTV cameras in the girls’ hostel, alleging that he had stalled their installation near the toilets. The letter also highlighted pressure from the principal on students to retract their complaints against him.
FAIMA concluded the letter by emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue promptly so that students at MMCH can work in a better, more professional environment.
“FAIMA is hopeful that you will consider the complaint made by all the students of MMCH so that they may get a better environment to study and like others, they can also be better medicos,” the letter read.
