Violence at AMU JNMC: On-duty Orthopaedics resident doctors assaulted by mob, RDA demands strict action

Aligarh: In a shocking incident of violence against medical professionals, two on-duty female and male resident doctors from the orthopaedics department at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), were allegedly brutally assaulted by a mob of patient attendants.

The doctors reportedly sustained serious injuries, with the female doctor bleeding from the mouth, while the other doctor present at the scene suffered severe injuries, including a fracture.

According to the police, the attack happened in the wee hours of May 6 during treatment when a dispute arose between a patient's attendant and the doctors over some issue. The verbal dispute reportedly escalated and led to an alleged physical assault against the doctors. 

A video of the incident went viral on social media, showing a tense situation at the hospital, with a female doctor bleeding from her mouth while police in the background were seen trying to bring the situation under control.

Reacting to the incident, the Resident Doctors' Association of JNMC-AMU, in a statement, said, "Both sustained injuries, including trauma to the jaw and hand, with a confirmed fracture. A surgeon with a fractured hand may not be able to perform surgeries for the rest of his life. The incident has caused widespread concern and distress among all resident doctors."

The association criticised the conduct of the Assistant Proctor who arrived at the scene. The doctors claimed that instead of de-escalating the situation, he allegedly behaved aggressively and inappropriately towards the residents, thereby aggravating the already volatile situation and contributing to loss of control.

"It was noted with serious alarm that this incident is not isolated. Despite multiple past assurances following numerous such episodes, no effective or lasting measures have been implemented to ensure the safety and security of resident doctors. The GBM unanimously condemned the repeated failure of authorities to prevent such occurrences, terming the present incident as completely unacceptable," said the association. 

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported a similar incident at the institute where a on-duty female junior doctor in the emergency ward was assaulted by a female patient. 

Condemning the recent incident, the association has demanded immediate registration of an FIR and filing of a chargesheet under relevant IPC sections, including 325, 332, 323, 353, 506, and 34, against the perpetrators. It also called for strict and time-bound action against the accused, adequate monetary compensation for the injured residents due to their inability to perform duties, immediate removal of Assistant Proctor pending inquiry into his conduct, and strict implementation of a gate pass system.

"The mental and emotional condition of the aggrieved female resident was also brought to notice. She is reportedly under severe distress and psychological strain due to repeated exposure to such assaults and has expressed a desire to resign from her residency," it added. 

Similarly, Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President, External Affairs, All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA) and Dr Dhruv Chauhan, National Spokesperson, Indian Medical Association Junior Doctors' Network (IMA-JDN), also condemned the incident and demanded urgent action. 

In a statement to Medical Dialogues, Dr Momin called for the immediate arrest of the assaulters and strict measures to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals across the country. 

He said, "The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare workers in hospitals. What has further intensified the outrage is the alleged response of the AMU administration. Instead of ensuring immediate justice and protection, the injured female doctor was reportedly made to feel as though she was at fault when she demanded the arrest of the accused. As of now, no concrete action has been taken against those responsible. This disturbing episode comes from Uttar Pradesh, a state where assurances of swift law enforcement action have been repeatedly emphasised. The lack of immediate response in this case has sparked criticism and calls for accountability."

In a post on X, Dr Dhruv said, "The bleeding mouth is not of a patient but of a female resident doctor of Aligarh Muslim university , JNMC hospital who was beaten and brutally attacked by a Mob of the patient they were treating along with one another doctor who also suffered serious injuries and fracture ! But what’s shameful ? The AMU administration made her feel as if she is the culprit and not victim on requesting immediate arrest of assaulters . No action taken yet . This is Happening in Uttar Pradesh where Yogi ji promises immediate action."

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