Delhi CM rebukes doctor during hospital visit, video sparks outrage

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's recent interaction with a senior doctor at Aruna Asaf Ali Government Hospital has resulted in a controversy.

The interaction took place when the CM visited the hospital for a surprise inspection on April 23. The video of the incident, in which the CM could be seen rebuking the senior doctor for interrupting her conversation with the staff, went viral.

What Happened?

During her surprise inspection, the video of which is now circulating online, the CM could be seen asking the doctors if they would like any shortcomings in the hospital to be redressed. Initially, some of the junior doctors responded to the query by stating that everything was alright.

However, after the CM's encouragement, one of the female staff members mentioned the issue of sanitation, while another one spoke about the unavailability of vaccines.

At this moment, a senior doctor, who was standing behind CM Gupta, negated the concern. In response, the CM instantly turned around and rebuked him for the interruption.

The CM could be heard saying, "Bhaiya aapko kisne kaha hai bolne ke liye? Maine aapse pucha hai kya? Jab aapse puchungi toh aap bataayega. Ye kya tareeka hai aapka? [Brother, who asked you to speak? Did I ask you? When I ask you, then you can tell me. What kind of way is this of yours?]"

"Kamaal kar diya bhaiya aap logo ne. Koi bachha bata raha hai..dikkat bata raha hai, taqleef bata raha hai. Aapka samay aayega, aap bataiyega. [You people have really done something unbelievable. A child is trying to say something… expressing a problem, expressing discomfort. Your time will come—you can speak then.]"

CM Faces Backlash:

Soon, the video of the interaction went viral, and members of the medical fraternity expressed their disapproval over the Chief Minister's way of interacting with the senior doctor.

Dr. Dhruv Chauhan, the National Spokesperson of the Indian Medical Association Junior Doctors' Network (IMA-JDN), wrote in an X post, "You really need to learn how to talk to doctors @gupta_rekha. Is this how you treat working professionals in your state ?"

The X handle of 'Indian Doctor' also criticised the CM and expressed that publicly disrespecting a senior doctor in front of colleagues and trainees undermines not only an individual, but the integrity of a government hospital's working environment.

"Such conduct risks eroding morale, professionalism, and ultimately patient care. Doctors are highly trained professionals who serve under demanding conditions they deserve respect, not disparagement. Those in leadership must uphold dignity and restraint in their interactions. Public office carries responsibility, and conduct must reflect the standards expected of it. Shame on such behavior," the X post by Indian Doctor read.

Criticising the incident, the United Doctors Front (UDF) mentioned an X post that "Respect for doctors is non-negotiable".

"Senior medical professionals who serve patients round-the-clock deserve dignity, not public humiliation.@gupta_rekha, this tone towards working doctors is unacceptable and sets a poor precedent for healthcare workers across Delhi. The medical fraternity demands an immediate apology and strict adherence to respectful protocols for all doctors," the post added.

However, some of the users supported the CM, adding that those who were criticising were highlighting only the half-truth. One X user wrote, "Though she should be more polite - but Doctors in India are are not that innocent these days. It is no longer a noble profession. They don’t discuss the patient’s problem properly and often show fake arrogance. More concerning is that hospitals have turned into centers of loot."

Speaking to Medical Dialogues about the issue, Dr. Dhruv Chauhan said, "What the CM did was “Public humiliation” by scolding a doctor who is above her age, her education and was performing his duties before she even became the chief minister. If he interrupted the CM in between it should be communicated in a decent way by requesting him in person and not publicly in front of juniors and cameras. Will she ever speak life this to her own party leaders ? No . Then how can a doctor who served whole life should accept such behaviour!"

"Why there is no Patient Feedback Systems / Hospital staff feedback portal to complain directly to govt anonymously and if it is there why the condition of Delhi Hospitals is worst and even basic drugs are lacking most of the time. She is answerable to all of this!" he added.

Also Read: Rekha Gupta pulls up officials during inspection of Aruna Asaf Ali hospital