Gastroenterologist attacked inside OPD at Barmer Hospital, suffers fractures

Barmer: In a disturbing case of alleged violence against medical professionals, an assistant professor in the gastroenterology department at Barmer District Hospital was allegedly brutally assaulted by the attendant of a deceased patient while he was seeing patients in the OPD. The attack left the doctor with fractures in his shoulder and fingers.

The youth, who was reportedly angry over his brother’s death at the hospital, had been protesting outside the hospital when he suddenly entered the OPD and attacked the doctor.

According to a doctor’s post on X, the attacker used a stool to hit the doctor, causing serious injuries. He is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Also read- PGIMS Rohtak: On-duty doctors attacked, trauma centre vandalised

The incident took place on Thursday when the accused's brother was brought to the hospital a few days ago after being seriously injured in a road accident. However, the patient died during treatment. Following this, the deceased's family staged a protest in front of the mortuary where the deceased's body was kept, accusing the hospital administration of negligence.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Harish Chauhan told ETV Bharat that a young man suddenly became enraged, entered the OPD room, and attacked him. Shortly after, the police arrived at the scene after being informed about the situation.

Kotwali police station officer Manoj Kumar said, "Upon receiving information about the incident, a police team arrived at the scene. The accused youth has been identified. Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased's family was staging a sit-in at the hospital, and the young man took this step out of anger. Legal action will be taken after a report is filed."

The incident has raised concerns among doctors about their safety. They questioned how long doctors will continue to face such attacks despite dedicating their service to the public by compromising their own health.

The doctors at the hospital stated that similar incidents have occurred before, but the administration has not taken any concrete action.

Dr Harish Chauhan stated that "The doctor was attending to a patient when the young man attacked him. The doctor sustained injuries. We have repeatedly informed the district administration in writing about security, but no specific action has been taken. A case will be filed at the police station in this matter."

Also read- Another assault at DDU Hospital traumatises doctors, security staff