Viral Video: Ward boy allegedly slaps, kicks elderly patient at Jhansi Govt Hospital

According to recent reports, the victim had visited the emergency department seeking treatment for a high fever but engaged in a conflict with the ward boy which escalated, and the ward boy was seen hitting him mercilessly disregarding his age in a video. 

After waiting for hours without receiving any care, the patient was feeling neglected and frustrated and he decided to leave the hospital. At that moment, the ward boy also allegedly lost his patience and assaulted the patient. The ward boy not only tore up his hospital ticket but also subjected him to severe physical abuse, including twisting his arm, slapping him repeatedly, and forcibly ejecting him from the hospital premises. The patient requested that he be allowed to leave the hospital voluntarily without any altercation. However, showing a lack of empathy or compassion for an elderly patient, the ward boy remained unyielding.

Someone posted the video stating, “Video of patients being treated in this manner in Jhansi hospital goes viral. Slapping, twisting hands and pushing out are the treatments in the hospital. Hooliganism of the ward boy is at its peak in UP's Jhansi government hospital, in such a situation the patient will be treated out of fear even before going to the hospital.”

What made the incident even more alarming was that the assault took place in full view of doctors and other healthcare staff, none of whom intervened to stop the attack. This failure by medical professionals to uphold their duty of care has intensified the public outcry. In addition to the physical abuse, the patient's attempt to seek help from the police was allegedly met with indifference initially, as his complaints went unheard, and no immediate action was taken. The video documenting the assault quickly went viral on social media, prompting widespread calls for justice.

In response to the incident, Dr Pramod Kumar Katiyar, the Regional Chief Medical Superintendent, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. He stated that the case has been brought to their attention, and a committee will be established to conduct a thorough investigation, reports News 24. Dr Katiyar emphasized that strict action would be taken against those found guilty of misconduct, stressing that no one is above the law.