PGI Chandigarh- Junior doctor slapped, kicked and beaten up by infant's attendants

Chandigarh: A shocking case of violence against medical professionals came to light from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, where a junior resident doctor from the Department of Paediatrics was brutally assaulted inside the Neonatology Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by the relatives of an infant undergoing treatment.

The attack was allegedly triggered by the mother’s accusation that the doctor caused bruises on the infant's neck during a medical procedure.  

According to a recent report by Hindustan Times, the junior doctor sustained serious injuries after being repeatedly slapped and kicked by the infant’s mother. The situation turned drastic when around 4 - 5 of her relatives allegedly dragged him by the collar and continued to beat him until he managed to escape and run back into the ICU for safety. 

The injured doctor was later taken to the Government Multi-Speciality Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16, where a medico-legal report confirmed the extent of his injuries.

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The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on the third floor of Nehru Hospital. At the time, junior doctor Dr. Siddharth Chakraborty (the injured doctor) was called in by another resident to assist with securing a difficult IV cannula for the infant.

After two unsuccessful attempts, the medical team proceeded to place the cannula near the infant’s neck—a standard medical practice in such cases. Following the procedure, a nursing officer noticed bruises on the baby’s neck. The infant’s mother then alleged that Dr. Chakraborty had intentionally caused the bruises. 

Threatening to call her relatives, the mother then accused the doctor of medical negligence and blamed him for the bruises. Shortly afterwards, the relatives arrived and began assaulting the doctor without seeking any clarification. 

After the doctor managed to escape, PGI security officials promptly alerted the police outpost located within the institute. A police team quickly arrived at the scene and escorted the injured doctor to the Government Multi-Speciality Hospital (GMSH) for medical treatment, reports HT.

After learning about the incident, representatives of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) reached the site to support the assaulted doctor, ensure their safety, and assist in initiating appropriate legal action. The association expressed deep concern and anguish over the brutal attack on the doctor. 

President of ARD, Dr Vishnu Jinja, strongly condemned the incident and proposed multiple security enhancements across the institute. "This kind of violence cannot and will not be tolerated in a healthcare setup. Doctors are here to heal, not to be hurt. The safety of every healthcare worker is non-negotiable," ARD president Jinja said, according to the statement, reports ANI. 

"This shocking act of violence not only endangers the safety of healthcare professionals but also disrupts the sanctity of a caregiving environment meant to serve patients with dedication and care," the statement read.

With the support of the doctors' association, the injured doctor filed a formal complaint at the police station against the assailants. Before initiating any action, the police conducted a preliminary investigation into the doctor’s allegations. 

Upon verification, an FIR was registered under Sections 121(1) and 132(3)(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the infant’s mother and other unidentified individuals involved in the assault.

The statement further mentioned that the Director of Chandigarh PGIMER was also informed about the incident, who has taken full cognisance of ARD's concerns and has assured timely and appropriate action in response to all demands raised.

Meanwhile, the hospital security department has been asked to ensure a comprehensive investigation and to implement preventive protocols to avoid the recurrence of such incidents, added the ARD president.

ARD further reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection and dignity of healthcare professionals and urged all stakeholders to stand united against any form of violence in medical institutions.

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