Violence at SVIMS Tirupati: Patient Grabs Female MBBS intern by Hair, Bangs Head

Tirupati: When the entire country is waiting for justice in the rape and murder of a PG trainee doctor at Kolkata-based RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a female intern doctor was recently assaulted by a patient at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), Tirupati.

The video of the incident, which was captured by a CCTV camera in the hospital, went viral on social media platforms. It showed how the attacker, a patient, grabbed the female intern doctor by her hair and banged her head on the steel frame of a hospital bed. 

While no security personnel could be seen on the spot, immediately, the doctor's colleagues came to her rescue and overpowered the attacker.

Following this, the lady intern doctor filed a complaint regarding the incident before the Director-Vice Chancellor of SVIMS. As per the letter by the medico, she is interning in the Surgery Department and was assigned to Duty in the Emergency Medicine Department. 

"While on duty, I was unexpectedly attacked by a Patient... who approached me from behind, pulled my hair and began forcibly banging my head against the steel rod of a cot. Despite my efforts, I was unable to Defend myself on Retrain him; and there were no security personnel present at the time to assist," she mentioned in the letter.

"This incident has raised serious concerns about safety in workplace. If patient had been armed with a sharp weapon, the situation could have escalated with severe consequences. In light of this, I kindly request that Appropriate Security Measures be implemented to ensure the safety of all staff members, especially in high-risk areas like EMD. Your prompt action Attention in this matter would be greatly appreciated," the letter further added.

After the incident, the doctors of the hospital staged a protest demanding safety at their workplace. In response to the incident, the SVMC Junior Doctors' Association (SVJUDA) in a recent release expressed their solidarity against the doctor and urged the authorities to take immediate action.

"We are deeply shocked and outraged by the distressing incident that occurred today at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), Tirupati. A female intern on duty at the esteemed institution was subjected to assault, which has left our community in a state of profound concern. We extend our heartfelt solidarity against this act. This heinous act is not only a violation of individual dignity but also a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of all individuals in the professional environments," SV JUDA mentioned in the release.

"We call upon the authorities to take immediate and decisive action against the perpetrators of this crime. It is crucial that a thorough investigation be conducted, and justice be swiftly delivered to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. We also urge the authorities to enhance its safety protocols and support systems to protect its students and staff," the release stated.

It further added, "Our commitment to fighting against violence and ensuring a safe and respectful environment remains unwavering. We stand united in our demand for justice and accountability and will continue to support all efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals in our community."

Responding to the incident, Health Activist Dr. Dhruv Chauhan mentioned in a X (formerly Twitter) post, "Assault on ER Intern in SVIMS TIRUPATI Just look at the audacity of the man trying to grab the female doctor in front of everyone This is exactly why doctors are demanding Central protection act !"

"How can any one work in such atmosphere?" questioned the X handle of Indian Doctor.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that after taking suo motu cognisance of the incident of rape and murder of a PG trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital, the Supreme Court constituted a National Task Force to frame effective recommendations to remedy the issues of concern regarding safety, working conditions, and well-being of medical professionals and other related matters.