Has a Health Officer at Patna's Nalanda Medical College Hospital Molested a Nurse?

Synopsis
A disturbing incident at Patna's NMCH has led to widespread outrage after a video surfaced of a health manager allegedly molesting a nurse. NMCH has initiated an inquiry to uncover the truth behind this shocking event, raising serious concerns about workplace safety for women in medical settings.
Key Takeaways
- A health manager at NMCH is accused of molestation.
- An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate.
- The incident has raised significant concerns over workplace safety.
- Public protests have erupted demanding justice.
- Actions against the accused will depend on the inquiry's findings.
Patna, May 17 (NationPress) A distressing incident has surfaced from Patna's Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), where a viral video allegedly depicts a health manager inappropriately touching a nurse, stirring significant outrage within the medical community.
In response, NMCH promptly established a five-member inquiry team to investigate the situation.
The individual accused, Pranav Kumar, a health manager in the Paediatric Department, was filmed allegedly attempting to molest a 25-year-old nurse while she was alone within the hospital.
This incident reportedly took place on Wednesday around 1 p.m. in the Nutrition and Rehabilitation Centre of the facility.
In light of the event, NMCH Superintendent Rashmi Prasad formed an inquiry committee comprising members from various departments including B.P. Jaiswal (Paediatrics), Pradeep Karak (Ophthalmology), Deepti Rai (Obstetrics), the Chairperson of Gynaecology, and a female legal expert.
The committee has conducted private interviews with both the accused and the victim over the past Friday and Saturday.
Records of these interviews have been meticulously documented and sealed for further examination by senior officials in the State Health Department.
Following the incident, chaos erupted at NMCH as nursing staff protested, demanding immediate suspension and severe punishment for Pranav Kumar.
Tensions heightened when State Health Minister Mangal Pandey arrived at the hospital to inaugurate a new 100-bed ward.
The victim nurse submitted a written complaint to Minister Pandey, advocating for prompt justice.
While the Minister has not publicly addressed the case, sources indicate he has instructed officials to ensure a thorough and timely investigation.
In a media statement, Rashmi Prasad confirmed that the hospital administration is taking the incident seriously.
"The matter is being investigated by a panel of senior doctors, including three women. Strict action will follow the submission of the final report," Prasad stated.
The incident has sparked significant criticism from medical professionals, advocacy groups, and the public, raising urgent questions regarding workplace safety for women in hospitals, particularly in government-run facilities.
The inquiry committee is anticipated to deliver its report in a sealed envelope to the Bihar Health Department within a few days.
Any disciplinary or legal actions against the accused will be contingent upon the findings of this report.