VIMS Hospital Duty Doctor assaulted by kin after COVID patient's death, IMA demands Govt Intervention

BALLARI: In yet another case of violence against doctors amid these unprecedented COVID times, a duty doctor recently became a victim of an assault at Ballari's VIMS hospital when she was allegedly attacked by a relative of a Covid-19 patient. The attacker has been arrested by the police.

Besides, the IMA has released a statement condemning the attack and seeking government intervention to take action against such culprts.

The incident reportedly occurred on 23rd May. It got recorded in the CCTV attached inside the Covid-19 ward where the attacker was seen arguing with the duty doctor and later assaulting her.

Also Read:Ahmednagar Doctor Assaulted by deceased Covid Patient's relatives, 2 suspects booked

Speaking to The New Indian Express, Police informed, "The 65-years old patient was admitted at VIMS last week and on Sunday morning he died. Just after the death news, the relatives started accusing the authorities of the death and started arguing with the doctor on duty. Despite explaining to them about the situation the accused attacked the doctor."

The Police have registered a case against the attacker and managed to arrest him soon after the incident, he is now under police custody.

As the video went viral on social media demanding strict action against the attacker and also requesting to increase the security for the doctors fighting the pandemic. District Health Office Dr H L Janardhan condemned the attack and said that the doctors are working hard to treat and save the Covid-19 patients.

"Sometimes saving patients becomes impossible. People must have control over their emotions. All the doctors and frontline medical staff are working hard to fight the pandemic and such attacks bring down their morale. A case has been registered with the police already. We request the relatives to reach higher authorities in the hospitals instead of taking the law into their hands," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Srinivasa S, Chairman of the National IMA Standing Committee for Child Health in a statement said that if such incidents continue to occur, the young doctors will lose courage in treating sick patients. "The government should immediately intervene and take suitable action on culprits otherwise IMA will fight for justice." it said, quotes TNIE.

Also Read:Karnataka: Mob attacks doctors, nurse for treating COVID patients, State IMA threatens stir