A viral remark reignites debate on body donors A Cadaver Is Not A Punchline
A resurfaced video from comedian Pranit More’s show, in which an MBBS student Sejal Pawar joked about cadavers, has triggered outrage and an inquiry, reigniting questions about medical ethics, professionalism and respect for body donors. The controversy has also sparked a wider debate on whether empathy and ethical conduct are being taught with the same emphasis as anatomy in medical colleges.
More Than A Body On The Table
Dr A.V. Gurava Reddy, managing director, KIMS-SUNSHINE Hospitals, says cadavers are individuals whose final act contributes to the education of future doctors. Recalling how his late father’s donated body was received with prayers and honours at a GEMS medical college, Srikakulam, he argues that humour should never come at the expense of dignity. The incident, he says, highlights the need for stronger emphasis on compassion, ethics and professionalism during medical training.
What did Sejal Pawar say?
Speaking on comedian Pranit More’s show, Pawar said medical students sometimes joke while studying cadavers and anatomy, including comparing the genital sizes of male cadavers.
A Donor’s Last Act Of Generosity
Dr Alok Ranjan, neurosurgeon at Apollo Hospitals, says body donation is among the most selfless contributions a person can make to medical science. While he views the student’s remarks as a lapse in judgment rather than malice, he warns that public ridicule of cadavers can weaken trust in donation programmes and reduce a donor’s final act of generosity to a source of entertainment.
Trust Is Earned Long Before Graduation
Dr K Krishna Prabhakar, Director, Department of Internal Medicine, Renova Century Hospitals, says professionalism begins on the first day of medical school. While humour can be a coping mechanism, it should never compromise empathy or public trust. He advocates stronger training in ethics, communication and responsible conduct, arguing that medicine earns society’s trust through character as much as knowledge.
Meanwhile
A KEM Hospital inquiry committee has termed remarks made by MBBS student Sejal Pawar during comedian Pranit More’s live show “objectionable and insensitive”, saying they fell short of the dignity, empathy and professional responsibility expected of a medical student and warranted serious concern.
Cadaveric Oath
Taken by many first-year medical students before dissection, the Cadaveric Oath is a pledge to treat body donors with dignity and respect, recognising them as their “first silent teacher” and a foundation of medical learning.