Dr Preethi’s death: Strict anti-ragging measures in Andhra medical colleges

Amaravati: Rattled by the death of Dr. Preethi in Warrangal, Minister for Medical and Health, and Family Welfare Vidadala Rajinihas asked the medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh to implement anti-ragging policies strictly. The minister asked the educational institutions to act tough against bullying, harassment, and ragging. "No medical college in Andhra Pradesh should report cases of ragging", said the health minister during a meeting with the principals of all the government and private medical colleges in the state.

Vidadala Rajini outlined the measures to be taken up by the management of medical colleges. Anti-ragging committees will be directly supervised by DME and Health University Vice-Chancellor. With some of the faculty running their own clinics, several complaints were received about the extra burden put on PG medicos. Vidadala Rajani warned medical college faculty against dereliction of duty.

"It is important for students to speak out against ragging and report any incidents they witness or go through. Complaint boxes should be kept in all medical colleges", she added.

Mandatory District Residency Programme:

Health Minister Vidadala Rajani said that under the National Medical Commission (NMC), all the medical colleges should make District Residency Programme mandatory from this academic year. Under this program, every PG medico should work in primary health care centers, community health care, area hospitals, and district hospitals for three months. District Residency Programme had been proposed by NMC in 2021 with the aim of strengthening the health System.