Dr Sejal Pawar, who courted controversy recently after allegedly making derogatory comments against cadavers and bodies of males at comedian Pranit More’s stand-up comedy show has been placed on a compulsory 15-day leave by the KEM Hospital in Mumbai, where she was enrolled in an MBBS course.
Notably, Dr Pawar has been pursuing her degree at the civic-run institution. The controversy picked up pace after a video clip from a public event circulated on social media, drawing sharp reactions from both medical professionals as well as the general public.
Pranit More (Left) and Dr Sejal Pawar (Right) at the show
Hospital launches probe into viral video
It is noteworthy that on Friday, the authorities at KEM Hospital had initiated an internal inquiry to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Pending the investigation’s outcome, Pawar has been directed to remain away from academic and hospital activities for 15 days.
Officials monitoring the inquiry are assessing whether the recording and the comments made during the show violated institutional regulations, ethical standards or professional conduct expected from medical students.
Until now, the hospital has not issued the detailed findings but confirmed that the incident is being treated with utmost seriousness and remains under review.
KEM Hospital
Medical community infuriated over Dr Pawar’s remarks
Dr Pawar’s remarks regarding cadavers during More’s show were described as insensitive and disrespectful, and quickly attracted public scrutiny after clips made it to social media.
The incident gained further traction amid the ongoing debate surrounding content from More’s shows, which have recently been under fire over other controversial audience interactions and comments. Medical professionals and students active on social media expressed concern that such remarks undermined the dignity of people who donate their bodies for medical education and scientific learning.
AIMSA demands strict action against Dr Pawar
The All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) strongly condemned the incident and raised calls for firm action against Dr Pawar and others involved in the malpractice. Releasing an official statement, it criticised what it described as ‘insensitive, irresponsible and deeply disrespectful portrayal of cadavers and body donors’ for the purpose of entertainment.
AIMSA
It also underscored that body donors play a pivotal role in medical education and deserve the highest level of respect and dignity from healthcare professionals and students alike.