Allegations of Systemic Harassment in Psychiatry Department Spark Inquiry at Kozhikode Medical College

KOZHIKODE — A formal investigation is underway at the Government Medical College (GMC), Kozhikode, following serious allegations of systemic mental harassment and academic intimidation within the Department of Psychiatry. Twelve postgraduate (PG) residents have come forward with a collective complaint against two senior faculty members, prompting the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) to intervene in a case that has reignited a national conversation on the psychological safety of medical trainees in India.

The complaint, directed at Dr. Anitha Kumari (Associate Professor) and Dr. C.L. Smitha (Assistant Professor), describes a “climate of fear” that residents claim has shifted the focus from clinical learning to survival. The DME has since appointed a three-member committee to probe the charges, with a mandate to deliver findings within a strict timeframe.

The Nature of the Allegations: Humiliation as Pedagogy?

The 12 psychiatry residents allege that they were subjected to repeated public humiliation during ward rounds, outpatient clinics, and academic sessions. According to the complainants, the faculty members frequently used demeaning language in the presence of patients, bystanders, and junior staff over routine clinical issues.

More critically, the students claim the harassment extended into academic sabotage. The residents allege they were threatened with:

• The withholding of thesis approvals.

• Arbitrary reduction of internal marks.

• Retaliatory scheduling and workload increases.

The irony of these events occurring within a Psychiatry Department—a specialty dedicated to mental well-being and emotional regulation—has not been lost on the medical community. Several students reported that the persistent psychological pressure led to symptoms of severe anxiety and clinical depression, necessitating a discussion on the “healer’s” own mental health.

Institutional Action and the DME Probe

Following a preliminary inquiry by the GMC Kozhikode Grievance Cell, Principal Dr. K.G. Sajeeth Kumar forwarded the findings to the DME, citing the need for a more comprehensive investigation. The newly formed three-member committee is currently conducting campus visits, interviewing administrative heads, and holding private sessions with the affected residents.

“The DME has made it clear that if these allegations are substantiated, strict disciplinary action will follow,” noted reports from Kerala Kaumudi. Meanwhile, campus activists, including representatives from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), have staged demonstrations demanding transparency and the immediate removal of the accused faculty from supervisory roles during the investigation.

Expert Perspectives: The Cost of Toxic Training

The culture of “tough love” or high-pressure “pimping” in medical education is often defended as a way to prepare doctors for the rigors of the profession. However, experts suggest there is a clear line between rigorous standards and psychological abuse.

Dr. Ravi Philip Rajkumar, a psychiatrist and noted researcher on workplace stress in Indian healthcare, emphasizes the long-term damage of such environments.

“Humiliating trainees in clinical settings does more than just damage their confidence; it models unprofessional behavior that the next generation of doctors may replicate,” says Dr. Rajkumar. “When we erode psychological safety, we increase the risk of medical errors and clinician burnout.”

National data supports these concerns. Evidence from global medical education literature suggests that fear-based teaching correlates with higher attrition rates and a significant rise in depressive disorders among residents. In India, the “Toxic Colleges” list—a compilation of media reports on resident suicides and harassment—highlights a systemic pattern that many advocacy groups say is reaching a breaking point.

Context: A Recurring Pattern in Medical Education

This is not an isolated incident for Kerala’s medical institutions. In 2022, GMC Kozhikode saw the suspension of two senior PG students for the physical and mental harassment of juniors. Similar cases of power abuse and sexual harassment have surfaced in other government medical colleges over the last decade, suggesting that the hierarchy inherent in medical training can often be weaponized.

The current inquiry is seen as a litmus test for the independence of institutional grievance cells. Medical education expert Dr. Anil Kumar argues that for these mechanisms to work, they must be insulated from internal faculty politics. “Transparent investigations and psychological support for whistleblowers are the only ways to restore trust in the system,” he stated in a recent analysis for Health Journalism.

The Counter-Perspective: Systemic Strain

While the allegations are grave, journalistic balance requires acknowledging the environment in which faculty operate. Senior doctors in government hospitals often face:

• Overwhelming patient-to-doctor ratios.

• Chronic staffing shortages.

• High-stakes decision-making with minimal resources.

While these stressors do not justify the harassment of students, they highlight a systemic strain that can degrade professional decorum. However, the consensus among medical boards remains firm: clinical stress should never be deflected onto trainees through intimidation.

Practical Implications for Residents and Patients

For medical professionals and students, the Kozhikode case serves as a reminder of the importance of institutional rights. Experts recommend that residents facing similar situations:

1. Maintain Documentation: Keep a detailed log of incidents, including dates, specific language used, and potential witnesses.

2. Utilize Formal Channels: Escalate concerns through internal grievance cells or professional associations early, rather than waiting for the situation to become untenable.

3. Seek Mental Health Support: Utilize campus counseling or external professionals to manage the psychological toll of workplace conflict.

For the general public, this story underscores a vital truth: the well-being of the doctor directly impacts the safety of the patient. A trainee who is paralyzed by the fear of humiliation is less likely to communicate effectively or think critically during a medical emergency.

As the DME committee prepares its final report, the outcome will likely influence how medical colleges across India address the fine balance between academic discipline and the fundamental right to a safe workplace.

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.

References

• Kerala Kaumudi. “Three-member committee appointed to probe harassment complaints at Kozhikode Medical College.” Kerala Kaumudi Online, 25 April 2026.