Mob Attack: Former KGMU Neurosurgeon brutally attacked after patient death, IMA condemn assault

Lucknow: In a shocking incident, a former King George's Medical University (KGMU) neurosurgeon, also the owner of a private hospital in Gomti Nagar Extension was allegedly brutally thrashed by relatives of a patient who died during treatment at the medical facility.   

Holding the doctor responsible for the death of the patient, the relatives of the deceased allegedly slapped, punched and thrashed the doctor using sticks, and rods leaving him injured. The victim is a former professor of the Neurosurgery Department of King George's Medical University, Lucknow. 

The incident took place when a patient from the Banthara area in Lucknow suffering from neurological issues, was admitted to the hospital two days ago. However, he died on Tuesday which resulted in the angry relatives allegedly brutally thrashing the doctor and accusing him of negligence. 

The video captured on the hospital's CCTV went viral on social media sparking outrage within the medical community and among the general public. The viral video depicted each relative taking turns brutally attacking the doctor, while he attempted to shield himself by using his hands to protect his head.

Later, the hospital staff intervened and protected the doctor from the attack. After sustaining serious injuries, the doctor was admitted to a private hospital in Chowk for medical treatment. 

Also read- Goa Medical College Resident Doctor Assaulted By Two Women, Doctors Association Demands Action

As per a TOI news report, the relative also assaulted the hospital staff, allegedly vandalised the ICU and then fled the scene after causing chaos for nearly half an hour.

Condemning the attack on the doctor, the Lucknow Branch of the Indian Medical Association held a protest demanding immediate action against the attackers. Around 150 doctors marched from the IMA building in River Bank Colony to Shaheed Smarak on Thursday. 

Submitting a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, the association requested the police administration to investigate the matter thoroughly and take strict action against those responsible for the attack on the doctor. They have also threatened to initiate a nationwide strike if the police fail to arrest the culprits. 

IMA secretary Dr Sanjay Saxena, former IMA President Dr P K Gupta, and senior member Dr Ashutosh Verma stressed that such incidents disturbed doctors deeply and could deter them from admitting patients in need of critical care.

Speaking about the incident, Dr Akanksha Banswar, a cosmetic surgeon and assistant to the victim neurosurgeon told TOI, "The patient had undergone surgery for hematoma at another hospital and was admitted to the ICU in Dr Dev’s hospital in an unconscious state on Jul 18. Despite his critical condition, the medical team conducted investigations and administered necessary treatment. On the third day, the patient’s pulse rate increased and despite efforts to revive him, family members interrupted the treatment, leading to a heated argument. This crucial time for revival was lost and family members assaulted brutally the doctor and other staff members."

In response to the memorandum, the police have registered an FIR against unidentified persons in connection with the incident based on the complaint of the victim. An investigation is underway. 

DCP East Zone, Prabal Pratap Singh told the daily that six teams had been formed to raid possible hideouts of the accused for arrest.

Also read- Dentist Brutally Thrashed By Four Armed Men At His Clinic In South Delhi