Karnataka: 11 MBBS Students of KIMS Land in Soup Over 'Demeaning' Instagram Reel on Nurses
A group of eleven medical students pursuing their MBBS degree at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubli have faced suspension due to their involvement in creating and sharing offensive content on the popular social media platform Instagram. The students orchestrated a derogatory video within the administrative premises of the college, featuring a fellow student dressed as a nurse engaging in a sexually suggestive act with a patient while dancing to a Kannada song.
This incident provoked strong objections from the Trained Nurses' Association and principals of various private nursing colleges. Following their dismay, they filed a formal complaint with the Director of KIMS Institute, urging swift and decisive action against the students involved. In a formal letter, the association condemned the demeaning portrayal of nurses in the video and demanded immediate accountability for the responsible students. The letter emphasized how such videos perpetuate harmful stereotypes that degrade the nursing profession and its practitioners, ultimately eroding the respect they deserve from the public.
A member of the nurses' association delegation personally delivered the letter to the director and expressed their concerns, stating, "The portrayal of nurses in this derogatory manner deeply troubles us. We earnestly implore the director to take resolute measures. If appropriate actions are taken, we will consider the matter addressed. However, should no actions transpire, we are prepared to mobilize a statewide protest."
In response to the escalating attention surrounding the incident, the college administration promptly suspended the involved students for a week and mandated that they issue a formal apology. The students, who acknowledged their wrongdoing, expressed remorse for their actions. They clarified that their intent was not to disrespect but to entertain. One of the students conveyed, "In anticipation of the annual college event, we crafted a fictional Instagram reel featuring doctors and nurses. Our intention was solely for amusement. We now realize the distress this has caused within the nursing community. Our actions were never meant to belittle them. If our actions have caused harm, we deeply apologize."
Meanwhile, the college has constituted an investigative committee comprising the college principal, two members of the Nurses' Association, and two principals from private nursing colleges. This committee will diligently probe the matter and determine the appropriate course of action moving forward.