Surgeon transferred due to charges of sexual harassment

Surgeon transferred due to charges of sexual harassment

15 PG Medicos File Complaints

Pushpa.Narayan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:19.03.2021 

An assistant professor of general surgery facing complaints of sexual harassment by at least 15 post-graduate medical students has been transferred out of Stanley Medical College and Hospital. The directorate of medical education, which has issued the transfer order and issued showcause notice against the professor, however, is yet to file a police complaint.

It was in February that Stanley Medical College dean Dr P Balaji received a letter from the chief minister’s cell asking him to inquire into complaints of harassment filed by at least 15 post-graduate medical students against Dr G Chandrasekar working in the department of surgery.

When contacted, Dr G Chandrasekar told TOI that he received an order stating he was transferred to Royapettah Government Hospital on “administrative grounds.” He was then asked to join duty at the Anna Nagar Peripheral Hospital. “I joined duty. I have not received any show-cause notice. When they conducted an inquiry, I denied all charges. I came to know about the allegation against me from the news in the media,” he said.

A 10-member inquiry committee comprising department heads and senior professors conducted a detailed inquiry, speaking to students and the professor. “The committee was convinced that students did face harassment. The women in the group complained to the members about inappropriate behaviour in ward and inside the operation theatre. They also showed some text messages they received from the professor,” said Stanley resident medical officer Dr Ramesh M. The committee’s report was sent to the directorate of medical education by Dr Balaji.

Based on the recommendations of the committee, director of medical education Dr R Narayanababu transferred the assistant professor to Royapettah Government Hospital on March11. “He has been asked to show-cause why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him for the complaints. It is the normal procedure followed in government service. If the reply is not satisfactory, we will initiate further action which may include suspension,” he said.

Now, some post-graduate students have urged the health department to file a police complaint under the Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. However, Dr Narayanababu said any action will be initiated only after giving him time to explain his stand.