Violence at JIPMER: On-duty paediatricians face mob attack, Faculty association demands action

Puducherry: In yet another incident of violence against medical professionals, on-duty paediatricians associated with Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry recently got allegedly physically assaulted by a violent mob pretending to be the attendant of a child who was admitted to the hospital. 

According to the doctors, the mob forcefully barged into the ICU, created a ruckus and both physically and verbally assaulted them. They also made serious death threats against the doctors. 

In response to the incident, a case has been registered by the police against an unknown person for physically and verbally assaulting the doctors under sections 294 (b), 332 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). 

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The incident took place on August 4 at around 6 pm when the doctors were busy treating an 11-month-old critically-ill child who had respiratory arrest while undergoing investigation to determine the illness. However, the child's condition was brought under control and was undergoing resuscitation at the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU). 

Suddenly moments later, a group of 4-5 people claiming to be the relatives of the child made a forced entry into the ICU, abused the on-duty paediatricians physically and verbally and threatened them with murder. 

Although a mob barged into the ICU, it emerged that it was one person among the group who assaulted the doctors. Moreover, the doctors have also claimed that the attackers are not the relatives of the child but instead members of a political party. However, the culprits would be identified only after the police speak to the relatives of the child. 

Condemning the assault, JIPMER Faculty Association (JFA) said, "We are deeply disturbed and saddened by the violent attack on the doctors. Such violence against our dedicated healthcare providers is completely unacceptable and deeply distressing."

"Another similar incident happened to a doctor working in the emergency medical department about six months ago. No action was taken against the perpetrators. We strongly condemn this deplorable incident and demand immediate action against those involved," mentioned the press note released on Saturday by JFA. 

Urging the authorities and police department to take strict action, the association said, “Our priority remains focussed on the well-being and recovery of our patients, and we will not tolerate any form of aggression towards our doctors and the healthcare professionals in Jipmer, who are tirelessly working to save the lives of all patients and providing compassionate care."

Further investigation into the case is under process. 

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