Doctor attacked by accident victim's kin at Bihar Hospital, OPD suspended

Sasaram: Tension gripped Mohania Sub-Divisional Hospital in Bihar's Kaimur district after a doctor was allegedly assaulted by the relatives of a road accident victim whom he had declared dead late on Monday night. The incident sparked protests by doctors and led to the suspension of Outpatient Department (OPD) services for nearly two-and-a-half hours on Tuesday. 

According to the news reports, the deceased, a 40-year-old resident of Naughara village, sustained critical injuries after he was allegedly struck by a speeding SUV near the Old Checkpost while waiting to board a Ranchi-bound bus. Bystanders rushed him to Mohania Sub-Divisional Hospital, where the attending physician examined him and declared him dead.

Also Read:Shiv Sena Corporator granted bail in Thane Hospital Assault Case

Soon after the declaration, the victim's relatives and several locals allegedly accused the doctor of negligence, claiming that the patient had not been examined properly before being declared dead. The situation quickly escalated, with the agitated crowd allegedly dragging the doctor out of his chamber and assaulting him.

The doctor denied the allegations of negligence, asserting that he had conducted a thorough medical examination before declaring the victim dead. He also stated that CCTV footage installed at the hospital would corroborate his account of the incident. Doctors further alleged that the assault occurred in the presence of police personnel deployed at the hospital.  

The hospital administration lodged a police complaint, while a heavy police contingent later restored order. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bhabhua branch, condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on the entire medical fraternity, and demanded that a case be lodged against the accused, reports TOI.

In protest against the assault, doctors temporarily suspended OPD services on Tuesday, disrupting patient care for nearly two-and-a-half hours. Medical services resumed only after the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) assured the protesting doctors that the accused would be identified through available evidence and appropriate legal action would be initiated within 24 hours.

Speaking to Jagran, Sub-divisional Hospital's deputy superintendent, Dr Avinash Singh, said that after the incident of assault on the doctor, an FIR has been lodged against unknown miscreants in Mohaniya police station. Based on CCTV footage, the police should identify the accused and ensure their arrest.

The Circle Police Inspector confirmed that an FIR had been registered against unknown persons in connection with the assault. He said efforts were underway to identify and arrest the accused using the CCTV footage. 

Also Read:Thane Hospital Assault: 2 doctors resign citing trauma, workplace safety concerns