Kalyan Orthopaedic consultant assaulted inside OPD by patient's son, doctors demand strict action

Mumbai: Just a few weeks after the attack on two doctors at a Dombivli civic hospital, another alleged assault on a doctor has surfaced in Maharashtra. At Bhanujyot Hospital in Kalyan, an orthopaedic consultant was allegedly verbally abused and assaulted by a patient's son.

The incident, captured on CCTV footage that later went viral on social media, showed the doctor explaining the patient's treatment and addressing his son's queries when the conversation allegedly turned into a verbal dispute. After leaving the chamber, the patient's son reportedly returned within minutes and allegedly thrashed the doctor.

The medical community has expressed frustration and anger over the continuing incidents of violence against doctors at their workplaces. Doctors have strongly condemned the incident and demanded strict action against the accused, along with adequate security arrangements to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals.

On Saturday, the doctor examined a patient with a rib fracture. Then, he prescribed medications and provided clear instructions on dosage and daily dietary restrictions. The doctor explained the entire procedure to the patient's son, including how to apply the bandage and take the medication.

Even as the doctor addressed the patient's queries, the accused reportedly began using disrespectful and aggressive language, demanding further clarification on dietary rules, dressing schedules, and medication usage.

When the doctor asked him why the kin was addressing him so informally, he retorted, 'Who do you think you are - some big-shot doctor?' The patient's son then went outside and allegedly started abusing the doctor.

When he objected, he came back and reportedly attacked the doctor inside the OPD chamber, grabbing him by the neck. Other patients and relatives present at the clinic intervened to rescue the physician.

Based on the doctor's complaint, the Kalyan police have registered a case against the accused under sections 118(1) (voluntarily causing physical hurt) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the incident, PTI has reported.

Reacting to the incident, Dr Harbada, owner of Bhanujyot Hospital and a consultant physician, told Indian Express, "Dr *** had patiently explained the treatment. The doctor had patiently explained the treatment to the patient and his son. The patient had come with complaints of back pain and the doctor had patiently examined and treated him. The relative kept asking the same questions repeatedly and the language used was not appropriate. The doctor told him to use proper words while speaking to him. Following this, the relative became aggressive and assaulted the doctor."

This is the second reported attack on a doctor in Maharashtra in recent weeks, following the alleged assault of two doctors at a Dombivali hospital. Medical Dialogues had reported that two on-duty doctors were allegedly assaulted inside a civic-run hospital in Maharashtra's Thane district by a Shiv Sena corporator and five others after advising the family of a newborn to shift the infant to another medical facility due to a shortage of beds in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Police booked in connection with the incident.

Reaction from doctors

Writing to the Maharashtra Chief Minister and the police department, Dr Chattopadhyay of the All India Doctors demanded strict legal action and exemplary punishment against the accused. He also called for immediate measures to ensure a safe working environment for healthcare professionals.

"This latest incident highlights the urgent need for systemic protection of those who serve the public in hospitals. Doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals work day and night so that the patients get their treatment and return home safely. Time and again, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are attacked. Hospital is not a battlefield but a place where Patients are healed. I request your goodself to kindly intervene and do the needful at earliest so that the justice be delivered without delay. I also request to send a clear message that violence against doctors and healthcare workers will not be tolerated under any circumstances," the letter stated.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr Atharva Shinde, President of Central MARD, said, "The accused is currently at large. The police department is trying to apprehend the culprit as soon as possible. We will escalate this issue to the CM and seek increased security at hospitals, as cases of assault on healthcare professionals are rising in Maharashtra. According to the Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2010, we will request the government to enforce and strengthen the Act, or revise it if needed."

"I strongly condemn the attack on the doctor. Violence against doctors is absolutely unacceptable. Healthcare professionals deserve a safe and secure workplace. How long are these things going to continue? government should take strict steps to safeguard the Doctors and Healthcare workers," said Mohammad Momin Khan, Health Activist & Co-Convenor, IMA JDN J&K.

Demanding the same, Dr Meet Ghonia, General Secretary FORDA, said, "Doctors deserve a safe workplace and the confidence to serve patients without fear. We urge the authorities to ensure swift and strict action against the perpetrators and strengthen security for healthcare workers."

Also read- Viral Video: Female doctor slapped at Thane Hospital, Shiv Sena corporator among 6 booked