Bhopal AIIMS doctor dies after 23 days:Dr. Rashmi Verma injected high-dose anaesthetic drug; questions raised over toxic work culture at hospital

Dr Rashmi Verma, Assistant Professor in the Emergency and Trauma Department at AIIMS Bhopal, passed away on Monday after undergoing treatment for 23 days. She had been admitted to the AIIMS Intensive Care Unit on ventilator support since December 11, following an attempt to take her own life. Despite continuous medical intervention under expert supervision, her condition did not improve. According to AIIMS authorities, Dr Verma breathed her last at around 11 am on January 5. After the completion of legal and administrative formalities, her body was handed over to her family. Injected herself with high-dose Anaesthetic Hospital sources confirmed that Dr Verma had injected herself with a high dose of an anaesthetic drug. Her husband, orthopaedic specialist Dr Manmohan Shakya, found her unconscious at home and immediately rushed her to the Emergency Department at AIIMS Bhopal. Approximately 25 minutes elapsed before she reached the hospital. Doctors stated that during this period, her heart had stopped beating for nearly seven minutes. Cardiac arrest and delayed oxygen to brain Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, doctors immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). After three rounds of resuscitation, her heartbeat was restored. However, due to the prolonged interruption of oxygen supply to the brain, she had already sustained critical neurological damage. Medical experts explained that the lack of oxygen during cardiac arrest can cause irreversible injury to brain tissue, significantly reducing chances of recovery. MRI confirms severe global hypoxic brain injury An MRI scan conducted 72 hours after the incident revealed ‘global hypoxic brain injury’. This diagnosis indicated that Dr Verma’s entire brain had suffered oxygen deprivation for an extended period. Doctors noted that such a condition is commonly seen following cardiac arrest and carries an extremely poor prognosis. 23 days on life support Dr Verma remained on ventilator support in the main ICU at AIIMS for the next 23 days. A dedicated team of senior doctors closely monitored her condition around the clock. Although every possible effort was made to revive neurological function, the extent of brain damage proved irreversible. Respected doctor and teacher Dr Rashmi Verma completed her MBBS from MLN Medical College, Prayagraj, and her MD in General Medicine from BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur. In addition to AIIMS Bhopal, she had previously served at LN Medical College and People’s Medical College and Hospital (PMS), Bhopal. With over five years of teaching experience, she was widely respected for her clinical skills and compassion. Colleagues and students recalled that she often paid for the treatment of underprivileged patients from her own pocket. At the time of her death, she was also serving as the Nodal Officer for the CPR Training Programme at AIIMS. Allegations of toxic work culture at AIIMS Dr Verma’s death has intensified scrutiny over the alleged toxic work culture, administrative pressure and internal notice system at AIIMS Bhopal. Following the incident, an emergency meeting was held between the Union Health Ministry and AIIMS management. Key decisions reportedly included the removal of the Head of the Trauma and Emergency Department and the division of the department into two separate units. A high-level committee has also been constituted to conduct a confidential inquiry into the matter. The findings of the committee are yet to be made public.