E-Paper
Ludhiana: Four doctors accuse jail superintendent of harassment
The doctors have been facing repeated instances of unprofessional and demeaning behaviour over the past several months
Prefer HTon Google
Four doctors posted at Ludhiana Central Jail have accused the jail superintendent of bullying, using abusive language and creating a hostile work environment, prompting the district health authorities to take up the matter with senior officials.
The allegations were raised through a representation submitted by the doctors to the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), seeking immediate intervention and warning of a possible boycott of jail duties if the issue remains unresolved.
According to the representation, the doctors have been facing repeated instances of unprofessional and demeaning behaviour over the past several months. They alleged that the conduct of the jail administration has caused mental harassment and adversely affected their ability to perform official duties. The PCMSA, while backing the doctors, described the alleged behaviour as unacceptable and urged the authorities to address the matter at the earliest.
“The most qualified cadre of class-I officers of the Punjab government cannot be subjected to such treatment. Such incidents not only demoralise serving doctors but also discourage young professionals from joining public healthcare services,” said Dr Akhil Sareen, president of the association.
In its communication to the civil surgeon, Ludhiana, the association stated that if corrective action is not taken, doctors may be compelled to launch protests and could boycott jail duties in the coming months.
Civil surgeon Dr Ramanpreet Kaur confirmed receiving the representation and said similar allegations had earlier been levelled by a psychiatrist posted at the Central Jail.
“This is not the first complaint from doctors working in the jail. The concerns raised by the medical officers are serious and will be brought to the notice of the director health services, the deputy commissioner and the district and sessions judge,” she said.
The civil surgeon said the matter has been forwarded to the competent authorities for appropriate action.
Ludhiana Central Jail superintendent Kulwant Singh did not respond to repeated calls and text messages seeking his comments on the allegations.
