Surat
Govt. Medical College Surat
Surat: The state health department on Thursday suspended Dr Sumaiya Mulla for 90 days for allegedly failing to discharge her duties as head of the microbiology department of Government Medical College, Surat, which was rocked by suicide of first-year resident doctor Harshal Pandya.
Dr Harsh Pandya
The action comes 10 days after Dr Pandya died by suicide in his hostel room.Health minister Praful Pansheriya directed strict disciplinary action against those found responsible for negligence in preventing the ragging incident. “This is action under the state government’s zero-tolerance policy in the suicide case of innocent student late Dr Harsh Pandya. No official who endangers student safety will be spared, no matter how senior the post,” Pansheriya said in a statement.According to the health department, Dr Mulla was found to have failed in performing her duties and disciplinary responsibilities under the Gujarat Civil Services (Conduct) Rules. The suspension has come into effect immediately.During her suspension, Dr Mulla’s headquarters will be Government Medical College, Vadodara. She cannot leave the headquarters without written permission from the competent controlling authority. She will also not be permitted to undertake private employment or engage in any business or trade during the suspension period. Violation of these conditions could result in withholding of her subsistence allowance and further disciplinary action, the minister said.Following the incident, the health department has directed all government medical colleges in Gujarat to immediately strengthen and activate their anti-ragging committees and anti-ragging squads.
