A female radiographer supervisor ends her life by slashing wrists in PGIMER, Chandigarh. The victim was in her 50s and slashed her wrists in the CT Scan Room after locking herself in. She succumbed to her injuries due to severe blood loss, even before the door was forcefully opened. The prolonged absence of the radiographer raised alarms among her colleagues and a quick check led to the discovery of the victim in the CT Scan Room. The radiographer was on the morning shift at the Advanced Paediatric Center when the incident took place, she left behind a husband and a son living abroad.
The incident, shrouded in mystery, has sent shockwaves throughout the medical fraternity and reignited concerns about mental health and workplace stress within the healthcare sector. Details surrounding the cause of the suicide remain unclear, with authorities tight-lipped pending investigation.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss our esteemed colleague,” A PGIMER spokesperson stated. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and are extending all possible support during this difficult time.”
The news of the suicide has sparked outrage and grief within the community of the PGIMER. Healthcare workers have expressed concerns over the increasing pressure and workload faced by the medical professionals, which often lead to these kinds of incidents or more drastic mental issues
However, no suicide note has been recovered from the scene, though the colleagues have alleged that she took this extreme step after being harassed by a senior tutor and his wife. Cops have stated that cause of the suicide is still undetermined as the investigation is underway. Dr. MS Sandhu, the head of the Department of Radio Diagnosis and Imaging has also declined to comment on the situation
The recent suicide incident has served as a reminder of the repeatitive issue. This is not the only incident, in July 2023, a senior resident doctor attempted suicide on campus, accusing a faculty member of harassment in a suicide note. Earlier than that, previous years saw similar tragedies when a 24-year-old junior resident doctor in 2018 and 26- a year-old clerk died in 2015 by suicide within the PGI campus.
These incidents paint a horrible picture of the mental health challenges faced by medical professionals at PGIMER. The abundant pressure, extended working hours, and potential for workplace harassment, serves as a breeding ground for burnout and despair.
The loss of these valuable members of the PGIMER community is a tragedy, however, their deaths can catalyze positive change. By promoting actions towards mental health support, anti-harassment measures, work-life balance, and culture shift PGIMER can become a leader in promoting mental health within the healthcare sector, ensuring the well-being of its staff and creating a vibrant, supportive environment where medical professionals can thrive.
This tragedy can be a turning point. By prioritizing mental health and taking proactive steps to prevent future incidents, PGIMER can honor the memory of those lost and pave the way for a brighter future for its staff.
