DNB resident allegedly slapped by HoD with blood-stained gloves of HBsAg-positive patient, doctors' body seeks immediate action

Panipat: Referring to a recent disturbing incident of 'physical assault' and 'biohazard exposure', where a resident doctor was allegedly verbally abused and slapped by the HoD using gloves stained with blood from an HBsAg patient, a doctors' body has moved the authorities seeking action.

The doctors under the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) have demanded immediate intervention of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) and Haryana Medical Council into the matter.

The incident allegedly took place at LHDM & Dr. Prem Hospital, Panipat, from where the concerned doctor is pursuing a DNB degree in Anaesthesia. It has been alleged that the work culture is 'so toxic' that one medico from the institute has already abandoned her DNB seat.

FAIMA has demanded immediate suspension of the concerned HoD, urgent prophylaxis and viral testing for the resident doctor and immediate intervention by the NBEMS and Haryana Medical Council.

The association was made aware of the incident after the resident doctor reached out to the FAIMA President regarding the issue of "physical assault and torture" by the concerned HoD.

In a letter addressed to the FAIMA President on 23.06.2026, the 1st-year DNB Resident mentioned, "I’m writing to lodge a formal complaint against Dr. ***, HOD Anaesthesia, regarding incident of physical assault that took place in Operation Theatre on evening of 22/06/2026."

Explaining what happened inside the OT, the resident doctor said, "This happened when a patient was deteriorating after MRM surgery during extubation. I immediately informed my senior on duty. Dr *** came and stabilised the patient, after stabilising the patient, she immediately turned to me and started abusing me verbally in front of whole OT staff, then she slapped me on my face with blood stained gloves of HbsAg positive patient. This caused me physical pain, emotional distress and utter humiliation."

"And this is not the first time this has happened. I am being verbally abused here on a daily basis by Dr. *** since day one. I was already in mental distress due to this misbehaviour," added the letter.

The resident doctor further added how after the incident, she has become "completely shattered mentally." The letter further added, "I cannot take this anymore...My co pg has already left her DNB seat due to this torture. At last I would just like say that such behaviour is unacceptable and violates the standard of professionalism and work place safety expected in a medical institution. I urge you to treat this matter with urgency and seriousness it deserves."

Sharing the copy of the letter on its X (formerly Twitter handle), FAIMA wrote, "FAIMA has received a horrific complaint from a 1st Yr DNB resident at LHDM & Dr. Prem Hospital, Panipat. The resident was verbally abused & SLAPPED by HOD Dr. *** inside the OT. Appallingly, the assault was done using gloves stained with blood from an HBsAg (Hepatitis B) Positive patient—crossing the line into intentional criminal biohazard exposure! The toxicity is so severe that a co-PG already abandoned her DNB seat."

The association specified in the X post that it demands an immediate suspension of the concerned HoD, urgent medical prophylaxis and viral testing for the resident, and immediate intervention by NBEMS and the Haryana Medical Council. 

"We will not tolerate our junior colleagues being treated like sub-humans," the association said.

Speaking about the incident, Dr. Lakshya Kumar Jha, the National Vice President of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), told Medical Dialogues, "FAIMA has received a complaint from a resident doctor alleging physical assault, verbal abuse, and workplace harassment by a senior faculty member. The allegations are extremely serious and, if proven true, constitute a grave violation of professional conduct and workplace safety. At present, we are in the process of gathering facts and obtaining information from all stakeholders. We believe that every resident doctor deserves a safe, respectful, and dignified training environment."

"FAIMA has sought a fair, transparent, and time-bound inquiry by the concerned authorities. We expect the institution to ensure that the complainant is heard without fear of retaliation and that due process is followed for all parties involved," he added.

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