Docs’ harassment allegation: Health secy seeks probe report

A committee has been asked to begin probe and submit report in a week.

DR SHAILENDRA KUMAR, Patliputra Medical College Hospital principal

DHANBAD: The state health secretary has sought a report from Dhanbad’s Patliputra Medical College Hospital (PMCH) over alleged sexual exploitation allegation of two female senior residents ( doctors) against their faculty head and a medical officer.

PMCH principal Dr Shailendra Kumar on Monday admitted to have received a call from principal secretary health Dr Nitin Madan Kulkarni in this regard and said findings of the probe committee would be duly sent to the health department whenever the report comes.

“After a meeting with hospital superintendent Dr Arun Kumar Choudhary on Monday, a committee has been asked to begin the probe and submit report in a week,” said Dr Kumar.

Earlier on Saturday, two female senior residents of the hospital’s skin department had lodged a written complaint, alleging faculty head Dr SK Mandal and medical officer Dr Manish Kanojia of frequently calling them in their out patient department (OPD) chamber and physical harassment.

The senior residents have also alleged that they are not given special leave meant for female doctors.

“They use foul language in our presence,” they have said in the complaint.

“The health secretary would take final decision on the probe report,” said Dr Kumar.