Medical college students’ union in Kozhikode objects to appointment of acting HoD

The students’ union at the Government Medical College, Kozhikode, has urged the authorities to refrain from appointing a faculty member accused of mentally harassing postgraduate (PG) medical students as the acting Head of the Department (HoD) of Psychiatry.The union functionaries and a section of students on Thursday (September 24, 2026) afternoon took out a protest march on the campus raising the issue. In a letter to Principal K.G. Sajeeth Kumar, the union functionaries earlier expressed its concerns over the move.A. Anitha Kumari, Associate Professor, and C.A. Smitha, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, were transferred to the Government Medical College Hospital, Idukki, and the Government Medical College Hospital, Kollam, respectively, earlier this year after the PG students filed a complaint against them. An official inquiry was conducted against the faculty members. However, Dr. Anitha Kumari and Dr. Smitha got a stay against the order and continued in their posts. Now, Dr. Anitha Kumari is reportedly being appointed as the acting HoD considering her seniority.“In view of the investigation [conducted into the mental harassment charges] and the ongoing proceedings, we strongly request that the concerned faculty member should not be appointed as the HoD or entrusted with responsibilities involving extensive interaction, supervision, or administrative authority over the PG students during the period. Such an arrangement will adversely affect the well-being and working arrangement of the PG students and may also raise concerns regarding the fairness of the ongoing proceedings,” the union leaders said in their letter.They urged the college authorities to ensure that an alternative arrangement was made until the issue was properly resolved. The union functionaries also said that a strike would be launched if appropriate action was not taken.The college authorities have reportedly promised the students to discuss the issue with the Directorate of Medical Education. Published - September 24, 2026 07:32 pm IST