On-duty doctor at YCM Hospital assaulted after patient death, ICU security enhanced

Pimpri: In an another case of violence against health professionals, an on duty resident doctor at the YCM Hospital of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation became the subject of physical assault and verbal harassment by a son after his father passed away during treatment at the hospital.

The grieving son's emotions escalated into violence after receiving the news of his father's demise. Consumed by anger, he proceeded to the doctor's resting area, where he physically attacked the doctor on duty and assaulted him. Furthermore, he also slapped an assistant present at the scene. 

In response to this horrific incident, the hospital administration on Tuesday set up additional security at two of its Intensive Care Units (ICUs) after the doctors and hospital staff protested against the assault. 

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The doctor assaulted in this case has been identified as 25 year old Dr Rishikesh Kudale

According to the police, the tragic incident occurred when he was serving duties at the ICU ward of the hospital. The patient admitted to the ICU was suffering from tuberculosis and was in critical condition. Dr Kudale and other hospital staff attempted their best efforts to save the patient but unfortunately, he passed away at 2.30 pm. 

After hearing about his father's demise, the deceased son confronted Dr. Kudale, inquiring about the circumstances. After some brief exchange of emotions, the tragic incident unfolded which resulted in the doctor being assaulted, FPJ reports.

Following this, the Pimpri police registered a case against the attacker under various sections including IPC 353, 332, 504, and Sections 3 and 4 of the Maharashtra Medical Service Persons and Medical Service Institutions Act, 2010 based on Dr Kudale's complaint. 

In response to this unfortunate event, doctors and hospital staff staged a protest to highlight the issue of violence against healthcare professionals. They demanded enhanced security measures to safeguard the hospital's doctors and staff to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

However, the protest was withdrawn upon the intervention of administrative authorities and the police who promised to capture the attacker and enhance security at the hospital. 

While speaking to The Indian Express, the dean of YCMH Dr Rajendra Wable said, “The man’s son entered the ICU after his family was informed about the death….He broke down before his father’s body and then suddenly turned to the area where the doctors sat. He first slapped an assistant and then beat a doctor on duty and abused them.”

"The doctors treating the man had informed his family about his serious condition. Despite that, the man attacked the doctors unprovoked," he added.

Stating that there are two ICUs on the first floor, the dean said, “We have cordoned off the two ICUs. Only those with passes will be allowed inside the ICU to meet their relatives. The attacker is likely to be arrested after the rituals are over."

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