Maha govt transfers J J Hospital’s dermatology head amid allegations of harassment, medical negligence

“Following the provisions of Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2005, Section 4(4)(2), and the Maharashtra Civil Services (Delay in Change of Duty) Act, 2005, Clause 4(4)(2), Dr Mahendrakumar Kura, Professor of Dermatology at Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai, is officially approved for transfer to the Government Medical College, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, maintaining the same position,” reads the notice.

After the notice was issued, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), which had initiated an indefinite strike on Thursday leading to 780 resident doctors boycotting OPD duties, decided to call off the strike.

The 780 protestors stood in solidarity with the 21 resident doctors from the dermatology department, who have been on a mass leave for the past two weeks to protest the alleged harassment by the department’s head.

In early December, resident doctors from the dermatology department had filed a complaint against Dr Kura, stating that they are currently facing an overwhelming and distressing situation.

The protestors had also alleged poor management of diseases by Dr Kura, resulting in six deaths last year. “The prolonged ordeal is severely impacting residents academically and professionally, worsening their mental health. Justice demands Dr Kura’s removal for resolution, as patience wanes amid escalating tensions,” an earlier letter from the MARD read, calling for the indefinite strike.

On the first day of the MARD protest, patient services continued without disruption. The hospital had also deputed qualified doctors, interns and RMOs in place of the protestors. There were senior residents and other professors too. A resident doctor who took part in the protest said, “We have attended emergency services where there was a shortage of staff. We ensured that no patient suffers.”

The claims made by the residents were also supported by five dermatology faculty members — Dr Usha Khemani, Dr Ratnakar Kamath, Dr Rajesh Kumar, Dr Avinash Sajgane and Dr Manjeet Ramteke in a signed letter to the hospital’s dean, Dr Pallavi Saple.

An investigation led by Dr Ajay Chandanwale concluded and the report was submitted to Medical Education Commissioner Rajiv Nivatkar. Later, the state government decided to effect Dr Kura’s transfer.