A controversy has emerged after a video of MBBS student and influencer Sejal Pawar from Mumbai's KEM Hospital went viral on social media. The clip, recorded during comedian Pranit More's show, featured remarks about male cadavers that many viewers found insensitive and disrespectful, leading to widespread criticism online.
Following the backlash, KEM Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College initiated an internal inquiry into the matter. Hospital Dean Dr. Harish Pathak said the institution maintains the highest standards of respect towards deceased individuals and body donors, whose contributions are essential for medical education and research. A two-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident and submit its findings.
The controversy has reignited discussions about medical ethics, professionalism and the responsibility of healthcare students while speaking publicly about sensitive subjects. Several social media users, doctors and medical students expressed concern over the remarks and stressed the importance of treating body donors with dignity.
In response to the criticism, Sejal Pawar issued a public apology, saying she fully understands why people were upset by her comments. She stated that there was no intention to disrespect anyone but acknowledged that the remarks were inappropriate and could be interpreted differently than intended. Pawar added that the incident has been a learning experience and promised to be more careful while discussing sensitive topics in the future.
The All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA) also condemned the comments, describing them as insensitive towards individuals who voluntarily donate their bodies for medical learning. The association emphasized that body donors make a valuable contribution to healthcare education and deserve gratitude, dignity and respect.
AIMSA further called for appropriate action and urged authorities to ensure that content undermining medical ethics and human dignity is not encouraged. The hospital's inquiry committee is expected to submit its report soon, after which further action, if required, may be taken.
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