Karnataka: Mob attacks doctors, nurse for treating COVID patients, State IMA threatens stir

Narrating the incident, IMA member of the local branch Dr Anil Patil told Medical Dialogues that almost 200 people from the neighbouring areas gathered in front of the hospital and resorted to violence at around 10:30 p.m. on 10th May. Being utterly dissatisfied with COVID patients being treated in the area, the mob started vandalizing the hospital. The doctor added that a lot of these attackers were drunk. Staffers, including a nurse, were assaulted and injured in the incident.

In the complaint moved with the police, the hospital authorities mentioned that the mob attacked the staff including a nurse, and those who tried to save her were beaten up while tearing off the shirt of one of the doctors. Some of them were armed with sticks and they also broke hospital properties. The mob also used insulting language towards the doctors and threatened them with dreadful consequences. They warned the medical practitioners of dire consequences if they don't stop treating COVID patients immediately especially naming Dr Halgekar who treated COVID patients.

" They were just treating the COVID patients following the orders of the government; however, the crowd manhandled and assaulted them. At a time like this when they already had to work under extreme pressure of patients if the safety of healthcare workers are threatened like this then they will have to consider turning down the treatment of COVID patients", stated Dr Prabhakara, Chairman Of IMA Karnataka.

Due to the recent surge in the number of COVID cases, the government has converted a number of facilities into COVID facilities. One of the doctors of the hospital also stated that it will be extremely difficult to run those hospitals if people resort to violence.

Taking cognizance of the incident, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) also held a meeting and met Deputy Commissioner and the SP. The association condemned the attack on the COVID warriors and threatened to boycott work if no action is taken against the offenders. Urging the authorities to ensure the safety of the healthcare workers, the association clarified that it will boycott work at all the clinics and private hospitals in the city from Monday onwards if the offenders are not arrested immediately.

Dr Patil stated, " We are giving the authorities one week to take action against the offenders and to arrange proper protection at all the hospitals before we start our protest. Meanwhile, the concerned authorities have assured us that they will take action and ensure the safety of healthcare workers."