Deceased patient's kin attack doctors, staff, vandalise Islampur Hospital; 3 detained

Kolkata: In a recent incident of violence against healthcare professionals, relatives of an elderly patient who died while undergoing treatment at Islampur Subdivisional Hospital in West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district allegedly attacked on-duty doctors, nurses and other hospital staff and vandalised the facility.

Police have detained three people in connection with the incident and launched an investigation. Hospital services were briefly disrupted following the violence but later resumed after police intervened and assured the staff that appropriate action would be taken. 

According to hospital sources, the elderly woman was admitted after experiencing breathing difficulties and died on Friday morning while undergoing treatment. 

Following her death, some of her relatives allegedly entered the hospital premises, vandalised parts of the facility and assaulted the attending doctor along with several doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. The incident created panic among patients, attendants and employees, temporarily disrupting healthcare services at the government hospital.

Following the attack, doctors, nurses and other hospital employees staged a protest on the hospital campus demanding better security arrangements and strict action against those responsible for the violence. They expressed concern over the increasing incidents of attacks on healthcare workers while they are performing their duties. 

A team from the Islampur police station reached the hospital after receiving information about the incident and brought the situation under control.

According to The Telegraph, during the intervention, a scuffle reportedly broke out between police personnel and some members of the deceased's family. Police subsequently detained three persons for questioning.

Hospital services remained affected for some time due to the unrest. However, doctors and other staff resumed work after police and district authorities assured them that appropriate action would be taken and adequate security would be provided.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. Officials said CCTV footage and witness statements are being examined to identify others involved in the alleged vandalism and assault. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. 

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