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JAIPUR – Investigations are currently underway at Rajasthan’s premier Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Medical College following serious allegations of misconduct and harassment leveled against a senior professor by a female faculty member. The case, which surfaced in late January 2026, has triggered a high-level administrative response, including a domestic inquiry by the college and a parallel probe ordered by the State’s Principal Secretary for Medical Education.
The incident highlights a persistent and systemic challenge within medical education in India: the vulnerability of female professionals in high-pressure, hierarchical environments. As one of the nation’s largest government-run medical institutions, the outcome of these inquiries is expected to set a significant precedent for workplace safety and institutional accountability.
The Investigation: A Two-Pronged Approach
The allegations involve a senior professor accused of inappropriate behavior, described in local reports as “misconduct and molestation.” Upon receiving the formal complaint, SMS Principal Dr. Deepak Maheshwari acted swiftly to establish an internal inquiry committee.
This committee is composed of several high-ranking medical officials to ensure a multi-dimensional perspective:
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Dr. R.K. Jain and Dr. Monica Jain: Additional Principals.
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Dr. B.L. Kumawat: Former Additional Principal.
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Dr. Anita Singhal: Dean of Student Welfare.
Parallel to the college’s internal process, Gayatri Rathore, Rajasthan’s Principal Secretary for Medical Education, has commissioned a separate two-member team to investigate the matter. This dual-layered approach aims to ensure transparency and mitigate any potential for internal departmental bias. As of February 25, 2026, the internal committee has submitted its findings to the Principal’s office, though the details remain confidential to protect the integrity of the ongoing state-level probe.
A Systemic Issue: Data on Harassment in Healthcare
While the specific details of the SMS Medical College case are still being adjudicated, the incident reflects a broader, documented trend of workplace harassment in the medical field. The hierarchy inherent in medical training—where senior consultants hold significant sway over the career trajectories of junior faculty and residents—often creates a power imbalance that can be exploited.
Statistical Reality of Workplace Harassment
Recent data suggests that these incidents are far from isolated. According to a 2025 study published in PubMed Central (PMC12470406) involving over 600 female healthcare workers:
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50.7% reported experiencing sexual harassment within the past year.
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92.2% reported experiencing some form of harassment at least once during their careers.
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18% reported severe forms of harassment involving unwanted physical contact.
Furthermore, research indicates that women in medical training face significantly higher risks. A 2021 study noted that female medical students are 9.83 times more likely to face harassment compared to their male counterparts.
The Public Health Impact: Beyond Individual Victims
Medical experts emphasize that the fallout of harassment extends beyond individual victims, potentially compromising the quality of healthcare delivery. Dr. Suman Singh, a public health expert at AIIMS Jodhpur (not involved in the SMS case), noted:
“These incidents erode trust in academic environments where mentorship should empower, not intimidate. Swift, transparent inquiries are crucial to deter perpetrators and support victims.”
The implications for public health are profound:
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Professional Burnout: Toxic work environments contribute to higher rates of mental health crises, including PTSD and depression, leading to medical talent loss.
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Impact on Patient Care: Harassment and discrimination among staff have been linked to academic disengagement and distracted medical teams, which can indirectly affect the standard of patient care.
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Gender Disparity in Leadership: Despite women comprising over 50% of medical students, many are deterred from leadership roles due to the perceived or actual threat of workplace misconduct.
Institutional Response and the POSH Act
SMS Medical College’s decisive response aligns with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). This legislation mandates that all workplaces, including medical institutions, establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address such allegations.
In past cases, such as the 2024 suspension of a resident doctor from the Biochemistry department for similar misconduct, the college has shown a willingness to take disciplinary action. However, the current inquiry against a senior professor presents a complex test for the institution’s commitment to procedural fairness and the safety of its faculty.
Perspectives and Limitations
While the investigation progresses, medical education experts emphasize the importance of due process. It is essential to protect the rights of the accused until the allegations are substantiated, ensuring that the investigation is based on evidence rather than public sentiment.
Barriers to Reporting
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has previously condemned workplace violence and harassment, but reporting remains low. A study cited by the Women’s Global Health Network India (WGH-India) revealed that only 17.4% of victims formally complain. The primary barriers include:
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Fear of career sabotage (e.g., lower performance marks).
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Social stigma and ostracism.
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Lack of faith in the confidentiality of the ICC process.
Practical Implications for Healthcare Workers
The SMS Medical College case serves as a call to action for medical professionals to understand their rights and the resources available to them.
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Documentation is Key: Victims should keep a detailed record of any inappropriate behavior, including dates, times, and potential witnesses.
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Confidentiality: Most institutional ICCs are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of both the complainant and the accused.
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Support Networks: Seeking psychological counseling is critical for those experiencing the mental health tolls of harassment.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Accountability?
The dual inquiries at SMS Medical College represent a significant moment for Rajasthan’s medical community. As the institution and the state-level probe move toward a conclusion, the medical fraternity and the public alike are watching closely. The outcome will likely determine whether the college—one of the oldest and most respected in India—can effectively translate institutional policy into genuine workplace safety.
References
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Medical Dialogues. (2026, Feb 24). Female faculty alleges harassment at SMS Medical College; inquiry launched. https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/hospital-diagnostics/female-faculty-alleges-harassment-at-sms-medical-college-inquiry-launched-165311
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
