PMO Intervention Leads to Suspension of AIIMS Surgeon After Nurses’ Harassment Complaints
Female nurse's complaint exposes toxic workplace at AIIMS
In a stunning development at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr. AK Bisoi, head of the Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) department, has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment and workplace intimidation by a female nursing officer. The AIIMS Nurses' Union escalated the issue to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), accusing the administration of initially ignoring their complaints.
The official order, issued by AIIMS Director Dr. M Srinivas, cited a complaint dated September 30, 2025, from the nursing officer, supported by multiple representations from the Nurses' Union on September 30, October 4, and October 7. The union's letter to the PMO on October 9 claimed Dr. Bisoi used "vulgar, unprofessional, and derogatory language" toward female nursing staff, creating a hostile work environment. It further alleged that he threatened to "teach a lesson" to nurses who raised concerns and attempted to retaliate by altering the complainant's clinical posting.
In response, AIIMS has appointed senior professor Dr. V. Devagourou as the new head of the CTVS department, effective immediately, pending further investigation. The matter has been referred to the institute's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for a detailed probe. While Dr. Bisoi has been stripped of his administrative role, he remains part of the institute until the inquiry concludes.
Also Read: Suresh Gopi’s Bold AIIMS Stance: If Not Alappuzha, Kerala MPs Can Demand Better
This is not Dr. Bisoi’s first brush with controversy. In 2009, he faced suspension by the Union Health Ministry over alleged irregularities, and in 2019, similar harassment complaints surfaced but were not acted upon. In 2012, he was also suspended for medical negligence. These repeated allegations have raised questions about accountability at one of India’s premier medical institutions.
The AIIMS Nurses' Union has demanded a "fair and transparent" investigation, emphasizing the need to protect the dignity of the nursing community. "We trust the administration will take strong action to ensure justice," a union representative stated.
Dr. Bisoi did not respond to requests for comment, and AIIMS media officials have remained silent on the inquiry’s progress. As the investigation unfolds, this case marks a rare instance of a department head being removed over such serious allegations, spotlighting issues of workplace safety and gender-based harassment in healthcare.
Also Read: Suresh Gopi Reaffirms Demand for AIIMS in Alappuzha
