Reels In OT: When Will Some Medical Professionals Draw The Line?

Amidst the digital age's encroachment into medical settings, questions arise about the boundary between enjoying moments and respecting the sanctity of healthcare environments. On February 5, 2024, at the Dau Kalyan Singh PG Institute and Research Centre in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the termination of three daily-wage nurses was triggered by the widespread circulation of a controversial video recorded in the hospital's operation theatre. This incident comes on the heels of 38 medical students from Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Karnataka facing consequences for recording reels within the hospital premises, resulting in an extension of their housemanship training by ten days. Adding to the bizarre occurrences, a doctor faced suspension for conducting a pre-wedding shoot inside an operation theatre in Karnataka's Chitradurga district just days prior.

These occurrences lead to critical conversations about where medical professionals should draw the line between having moments of levity and respecting the sanctity of medical environments in the face of advancing digital trends.

Raipur Nurses Terminated for Reel Inside Operation Theatre

The video  in question depicted the three nurses engaged in dancing activities to popular music within the operation theatre premises. Such conduct not only breaches established protocols but also raises significant concerns regarding patient confidentiality, operational integrity, and adherence to professional standards.

It is important to note that the recording of videos or taking photographs inside operation theatres is strictly prohibited, in accordance with standard operating procedures. These regulations are in place to safeguard patient privacy, maintain the sanctity of medical procedures, and uphold the dignity of healthcare professionals. By disregarding these norms, the implicated nurses not only jeopardized their own employment but also compromised the trust and confidence reposed in them by the institution and the wider community.

Beyond the act of recording the video itself, reports suggest that the nurses also engaged in misconduct by allegedly behaving disrespectfully towards a senior colleague who voiced objections to their actions. Such behavior not only reflects a lack of professionalism but also undermines the collaborative ethos essential to effective healthcare delivery. Consequently, the swift termination of their employment serves as a strict reminder of the repercussions associated with breaching ethical boundaries and violating organizational policies.

Subsequently, following due process and procedural fairness, the nurses were relieved of their duties. 

Karnataka Medical Students Punished For Recording Reels Inside Hospital

As per the reports, the students claimed that the reel recording was just a part of the pre-graduation ceremony. Only a few more days of internship were left at the college, where they completed five years of medical education. So to celebrate the moment, the students picked up the hospital premises as the background and recorded reels. They posted the video on social media with the caption, "Reel it, feel it". The videos quickly went viral, attracting criticism and penalising actions. 

A day after health and family welfare minister suspended a Doctor for Pre wedding shoot in #Bharamasagara at #Chitradurga, #Karnataka, Today 38 Medical students suspended from #GIMS of #Gadag for shooting reels in hospital. pic.twitter.com/YjW4UQSVhl

— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) February 10, 2024

The management immediately took notice of the incident and slapped an extension notice on the students who were a part of the reel-making activity.  However, the students issued an apology and claimed that the reels were just a part of their pre-graduation ceremony. 

Speaking to a media handle, the director of GIMS, Dr. Basavaraj Bommanahalli, said, “Students said that as it is the last phase of college life, they did these videos. However, making such videos on the premises of the hospital might cause inconvenience to patients. We initiated an action against these students.”

How Did Social Media React?

However, on social media, people are demanding to cut some slack for medical students. One of the users wrote, "I think medical studies are very tough, and what is wrong if these youngsters have some fun as long as it does not harm them or the institution? Rather, it may be good overall." 

While another said, "This is clean fun and enjoyment while studying for one of the toughest courses that tires and fries your brain. They are not running around patients. Please relax the norms and their suspension, respected health minister."

Pre-wedding Shoot inside the Operation Theatre

Just a few days ago, a doctor was suspended for conducting a pre-wedding shoot inside the operation theatre of a hospital in Karnataka's Chitradurga district.  

Reinstating the pious duties of doctors and hospital staff, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “All contract employees, including doctors and staff performing duties in the health department, should perform their duties as per the government service rules. I have already instructed the concerned doctors and all the staff to be careful so that such abuses do not happen in government hospitals.”