Ulhasnagar Central Hospital vandalised, staff assaulted after patient death; doctors launch protest

Mumbai: In a shocking incident, chaos erupted at the Government Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, after the death of a 45-year-old patient, with his relatives allegedly vandalising the facility and assaulting staff members in the early hours of Thursday.

According to the news reports, the incident took place after the deceased, who was suffering from a liver-related illness, was admitted to a government hospital in Ulhasnagar on Wednesday night for treatment. However, he reportedly died nearly two hours after admission.

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A hospital security guard attempted to calm the situation and prevent further violence. “Please calm down. Don’t take the law into your own hands,” he was heard telling the family members while trying to restrain the chaos.

The patient’s wife accused the hospital staff of negligence and demanded answers about the treatment provided to her husband. The family also questioned the delayed response from doctors during the emergency.

Reacting to the allegations, Central Hospital dean Dr Manohar Bansode said the patient was already in a critical condition when brought to the hospital. "The patient's organs, including the liver and kidneys, were not functioning properly. He was an alcoholic and was already serious when admitted. If he had been shifted elsewhere, there was a possibility of his dying on the way. Our doctors made every possible effort to save him, but unfortunately, he could not survive. We doctors, are also saddened by the death, but vandalism in the hospital and assault on staff cannot be justified," Bansode said, reports TOI.

Following the incident, the hospital administration launched a “stop work” agitation in protest against the attack on healthcare workers and the damage caused to hospital property. Doctors and staff raised concerns over inadequate security arrangements and demanded immediate action against those involved in the incident.

The protest triggered concern among patients and visitors, following which police personnel were deployed on the premises to maintain law and order.

The mayor, Ashwini Nikam, and senior officials from the police administration arrived at the hospital and held a meeting with the staff. The police gave an assurance that strict legal action would be taken against the accused and they would be arrested. A case was then filed, following which the hospital administration withdrew their strike, reports NDTV.

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