Medical fraternity demands ‘fair unbiased probe’ in Satara doctor suicide case

According to Dr Patil, there were reports and statements from the doctors’ colleagues, that she had repeatedly informed her seniors of being mentally and physically harassed by police sub-inspector Gopal Badane and Prashant Bankar.

Satara police have booked sub-inspector Badane and Bankar on the charges of rape and abetment of suicide

“Despite clear warnings that she was under extreme distress, no effective preventive action was taken. In her suicide note, she has directly named the individuals responsible for this harassment,”Dr Patil added.

There is deep anger among the medical fraternity and several have raised serious concerns about the safety and dignity of doctors serving in public hospitals.

“This incident has caused immense distress and outrage among the entire medical fraternity across the state. The alleged involvement of a police officer in such an act of harassment leading to the death of a government doctor is a matter of grave concern and raises serious questions about the safety and dignity of medical professionals in public service,” said Dr Avinash Dahiphale, Secretary, Association of Medical Officers in Maharashtra.

Seeking personal intervention of CM Devendra Fadnavis, the association has asked for a high-level inquiry into the entire incident under an independent and impartial authority and formulate and implement a protective mechanism to safeguard medical officers from harassment and intimidation.

Dr Akshay Dongardive, National President, Federation of All India Medical Association, said among their demands was also preservation of all digital and physical evidence — including CCTV footage, entry registers, duty records, call and data logs — to maintain integrity of the case.

They have also called for establishment of statewide mechanisms for mental health support and grievance redressal for doctors facing administrative or workplace stress.

IMA demands judicial inquiry

The Indian Medical Association has demanded a judicial inquiry into the case and said that her death was not an isolated case but a reflection of the rising psychological, administrative and moral strain faces by doctors across the state. Dr Santosh Kadam, President,IMA, Maharashtra said that there was a need for doctor welfare nodal officers at district and state level and legal reform for protection of medical personnel.