Mangaluru doctor found drunk on duty, sparks outrage

Mangaluru: A doctor at a prominent hospital in Mangaluru was found in a state of intoxication during a night shift on Saturday, raising serious concerns about patient safety. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, leading to widespread outrage and public concern.  

A video showing the doctor unable to walk or communicate properly circulated online, igniting a flurry of angry comments and calls for accountability. This alarming situation raises serious questions about the standards of care and supervision in local healthcare facilities, particularly during night shifts when emergencies often require immediate attention. The incident has caused widespread concern among both patients and healthcare workers.  

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According to a media report in  Hans India, some well-known hospitals in Mangaluru have been employing medical students, including MBBS candidates, as duty doctors during night shifts for minimal pay. This practice has raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided during these hours. The viral social media post has prompted the public to exercise caution when seeking treatment at certain hospitals in Mangaluru.     

While the specific names of the hospitals and the individuals involved have been withheld to protect patient confidentiality and the reputations of medical professionals, the incident has sparked a larger conversation about the ethical implications of using students in critical roles without adequate supervision.  

A similar incident was earlier reported by Medical Dialogues, involving a medical officer in the emergency department of a sub-district hospital in Karanja. The officer was released from duty pending an investigation after allegedly being found intoxicated during his shift. A video of the incident went viral on social media, generating significant attention and concern.  

Also Read: Doctor reports to duty in inebriated state at Vijayapura Hospital, sparks outrage