Kozhikode medical college students protest proposed acting HoD appointment

Students at the Government Medical College, Kozhikode, have objected to the proposed appointment of a faculty member accused of mentally harassing postgraduate (PG) medical students as the acting Head of the Department (HoD) of Psychiatry.

The students' union, along with a section of students, staged a protest march on the campus on Thursday afternoon. The union had earlier written to Principal K.G. Sajeeth Kumar, setting out its concerns over the move.

According to the union, A. Anitha Kumari, Associate Professor, and C.A. Smitha, Assistant Professor, both in the Department of Psychiatry, were transferred earlier this year to the Government Medical College Hospital, Idukki, and the Government Medical College Hospital, Kollam, respectively, after PG students filed a complaint against them. An official inquiry was conducted into the allegations. The two faculty members, however, obtained a stay against the transfer order and continued in their posts.

Dr. Anitha Kumari is now reportedly being considered for the acting HoD post on the basis of seniority.

In their letter, the union leaders said the investigation into the mental harassment charges and the proceedings that remain ongoing made it inappropriate for the faculty member to be given the HoD role or any responsibility involving close interaction with, supervision of, or administrative authority over PG students. Such an arrangement, they argued, would harm the well-being and working conditions of the PG students and could raise questions about the fairness of the ongoing proceedings.

The union asked the college authorities to put an alternative arrangement in place until the matter is properly resolved, and warned that a strike would be launched if appropriate action is not taken.

College authorities have reportedly assured the students that the issue will be discussed with the Directorate of Medical Education.