Apart from this, the hospital administration has also provided the resident doctors with a written assurance regarding the strengthening of hospital security and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the resident doctor from the Neurosurgery Department was reportedly abused and assaulted by an attendant of an accident victim while on duty in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Reportedly, the accused entered the ICU after being angry over the return of an unused bottle of blood and began abusing the nursing staff. When the doctor intervened and asked him to maintain discipline, the man allegedly attacked the doctor, pushing him to the ground and threatening to kill him. As a result, the doctor suffered facial injuries in the assault.
Following the incident, resident doctors under the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) at PDU Medical College and Hospital became angry and launched a protest on December 31 from 6 pm. They boycotted OPD services and planned surgeries, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused, suspension of security guards and staff present during the incident, and the appointment of a new security agency.
The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) also extended its support to the protesting doctors. In a letter addressed to the Medical Superintendent, PDU Government Hospital & Medical College, FORDA expressed its concern over the fact that the incident of assault occurred in the presence of security personnel who failed to intervene, reflecting a serious lapse in basic safety measures for healthcare workers.
"Resident doctors are the backbone of any teaching hospital, spending the maximum time in wards and emergency areas and therefore facing the highest risk of aggression. If such security failures are not addressed urgently, the hospital environment becomes unsafe for doctors, nurses, and patients alike, forcing resident doctors to consider withdrawal of non-emergency services," FORDA mentioned in the letter, while condemning the act of violence and fully endorsing the resident doctors' demand for a safe and secure workplace.
FORDA had urged the authorities to ensure prompt registration of appropriate offences and arrest of the culprits, conduct an inquiry into the failure of on-duty security staff, and immediately strengthen security and crowd-control measures in high-risk areas with clear zero-tolerance instructions against any abuse of healthcare personnel.
It also extended its support to peaceful, symbolic protests such as wearing black badges or ribbons to express solidarity against violence, while maintaining emergency and critical care services.
Now, after the assurance from the authorities, FORDA has welcomed the swift and decisive action by the State and College Authorities in Rajkot. "The arrest of the primary accused & firm written assurance on strengthening hospital security reflect a strong commitment. We thank Police & Administration and salute the unity of doctors," the association mentioned in an X (formerly Twitter) post.
Speaking to Medical Dialogues, the National General Secretary of FORDA, Dr Meet Ghonia, said, "We strongly condemn the brutal assault on a resident doctor at PDU Government Medical College, Rajkot, which resulted in serious vertebral and spinal injuries. Violence against doctors who are dedicated to saving lives is absolutely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances."
Lauding the authorities for taking prompt action, he further mentioned, "At the same time, we acknowledge and appreciate the swift action taken by the State Government, college authorities, and the local police administration. The accused has been arrested, and the hospital administration has provided a written assurance regarding strengthening hospital security and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers."
"Resident doctors work under immense pressure and long hours, and their safety is non-negotiable. Such incidents not only endanger doctors but also disrupt patient care and the healthcare system at large. FORDA stands firmly with the injured doctor and his family. We will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that all assurances are translated into concrete action on the ground. A zero-tolerance policy toward violence against healthcare workers must be strictly enforced across the country," he further added.
Also Read: Rajkot Civil Hospital: Neurosurgeon assaulted in ICU over blood unit dispute
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