When a young student steps into medical school, they do so with dreams of saving lives, pushing the boundaries of science, and serving society. But in too many cases across the world, the first experience that greets them is not one of mentorship — it is ragging.
Known in some countries as hazing or initiation rituals, ragging is a harmful practice where senior students subject newcomers to a range of degrading, abusive, or humiliating tasks. This is done under the guise of tradition, bonding, or preparing students for the “hard realities” of medical life.
While many view ragging as a relic of a bygone era, the truth is far more sobering: it remains a global issue that continues to harm the well-being of future doctors.
In this blog, we’ll explore the global landscape of ragging in medical schools — its persistence, impact, and the efforts being made to combat it.
The Many Faces of Ragging
The nature and severity of ragging vary across regions, cultures, and institutions — but certain patterns are consistent:
- Verbal abuse — name-calling, public humiliation
- Forced physical activity — running, sit-ups, dangerous stunts
- Sexual harassment — lewd comments or forced actions
- Psychological coercion — isolation, sleep deprivation, fear tactics
- Task-based hazing — demeaning tasks in classrooms, hospitals, or hostels
While some seniors argue that ragging helps “build character” or “foster camaraderie,” mounting evidence shows that it does precisely the opposite — it creates trauma, fear, and toxic hierarchies.
Ragging Around the World: A Snapshot
India: A Long-Standing Battle
India has one of the most well-documented histories of ragging in higher education, including in medical colleges. High-profile cases — some ending in suicide — have spurred public outcry and led to landmark legal action:
- Supreme Court rulings have declared ragging a punishable offense.
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) mandates anti-ragging regulations.
- An anti-ragging helpline is in place for students in distress.
Yet, despite these measures, incidents still occur, especially in hostel environments or during “orientation weeks.”
Bangladesh: Cultural Acceptance and Resistance
Bangladesh also faces significant ragging issues in its medical schools. In some institutions, ragging is seen as a rite of passage. Though authorities are beginning to take action — such as expelling perpetrators — enforcement remains inconsistent.
Victims often stay silent out of fear of retaliation or damaging their future careers.
Nepal: Struggling with Enforcement
Nepal’s medical institutions have seen a growing number of ragging-related complaints in recent years. The Ministry of Education and universities have issued anti-ragging guidelines, but practical enforcement is still lagging.
Students report that informal ragging persists, especially in hostel life, where oversight is limited.
The Philippines: Hazing Laws Tested
While hazing in fraternity culture is more commonly reported in the Philippines, medical schools are not immune. The Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 aims to prevent all forms of hazing, but gaps in monitoring and implementation remain.
Recent student protests have demanded more transparency and accountability from both medical colleges and student organizations.
South Africa: Power Dynamics in Clinical Training
In South Africa, medical students often report subtle forms of “professional hazing” — such as humiliation by senior doctors or forced participation in risky clinical procedures without adequate supervision.
Though not always labeled as ragging, these experiences can create lasting psychological harm and perpetuate unhealthy power dynamics.
United States & 
Europe: Less Overt, Still Present
In Western countries, ragging tends to appear as:
- Clinical bullying by residents and attending physicians
- Harsh initiation rituals during medical fraternities or social events
- Toxic competitiveness and exclusionary behaviors
Though many universities in the U.S. and Europe have strict anti-hazing and anti-bullying policies, underreporting remains a challenge.
The Impact: More Than Just Hurt Feelings
Ragging is not harmless fun. Its effects can be devastating:
- Mental health damage: anxiety, depression, PTSD
- Academic disruption: loss of concentration, dropout rates
- Physical harm: injuries, even deaths in extreme cases
- Professional cynicism: normalizing abuse in the healthcare culture
A global survey by the World Medical Association found that nearly 1 in 4 medical students reported experiencing some form of harassment during their education — with ragging cited as a major source.
Why Does It Persist?
Several factors fuel the persistence of ragging in medical schools:
- Hierarchy-driven environments
Medicine has traditionally been hierarchical — making it easier for power imbalances to be abused. - Cultural normalization
In many regions, ragging is seen as a “rite of passage” or “tradition” — making reform efforts difficult. - Lack of enforcement
Even where strong policies exist, enforcement is often weak or inconsistent. - Silence and stigma
Students fear speaking out, worried about retaliation or career damage.
Promising Interventions and the Way Forward
Change is happening — though slowly.
Some strategies that have shown promise globally include:
Strict anti-ragging policies with clear consequences
Anonymous reporting channels and support hotlines
Awareness programs for both students and faculty
Mentorship systems to replace hazing with positive bonding
Psychological counseling for both victims and perpetrators
International collaboration on best practices and monitoring
Conclusion: Building a Culture of Compassion
Medical schools should be sanctuaries of learning, ethics, and empathy — not breeding grounds for abuse. As a global community, we must collectively reject ragging in all its forms.
Doctors are trained to heal, not to harm.
That healing must begin within the very walls where they are educated.
It is time to dismantle this toxic culture — and replace it with one of respect, inclusion, and true mentorship.
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Complaints often ignored or downplayed