Surat Civil Hospital doctor found dead in hostel room, high-level panel begins probe

A resident doctor at Surat’s New Civil Hospital, Harsh Pandya, was found dead in his hostel room on Sunday. The Health Minister, Praful Pansheriya, announced that the state government has formed a high-level committee to investigate the incident. The committee, led by the medical college’s dean and the hospital superintendent, will complete its report within 24 hours.

Pandya, a 30-year-old first-year resident doctor from Modasa, was discovered by his colleagues who went to check on him after he missed his shift. The inquiry will look into all aspects of the case, including any form of harassment the doctor may have faced. Statements from his colleagues, faculty members, and seniors will be recorded on Sunday night.

Additional Director of Medical Education Dr Jayesh Sachde is supervising the committee. If the investigation uncovers ragging, mental harassment, or negligence, strict legal and administrative action will be taken. The health minister has spoken to Pandya’s father, a practicing doctor in Modasa, and assured the family of strict action.

Police are investigating the case, suspecting it to be a suicide, while also ordering a forensic autopsy and a postmortem.