KGMU Scuffle: 4 Junior doctors suspended after row with nursing staff

Lucknow: In response to a reported clash between doctors and nursing staff at the trauma centre, the King George’s Medical University (KGMU) administration has suspended four junior resident doctors from the orthopaedics department for allegedly assaulting an on-duty nursing officer.

Opposing the suspension, their colleagues staged a protest demanding that the order be revoked and that the nursing staff be suspended instead, alleging that he had assaulted an on-duty doctor during an operation.

Both the doctors and the nursing officer registered FIRs against each other, accusing each other of assault.

The nursing staff in his complaint alleged that around nine doctors from the orthopaedics department, under the influence of alcohol, abused and physically assaulted him inside the trauma centre while he was on duty. He claimed the assault left him with scratches on his neck and injuries behind his ear.

The doctors, on the other hand, alleged that the nursing officer had brutally attacked an on-duty doctor, which led to the altercation.

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As per the latest media report by TOI, the incident took place on Sunday, around 11 pm at the university's trauma centre. A minor dispute between the doctors and the nursing staff escalated into a clash, causing serious inconvenience to critical patients.

Following the incident, both groups staged separate protests on the hospital campus, temporarily disrupting emergency services and demanding action against the other group.

In response, the KGMU authorities conducted a preliminary investigation and suspended four junior resident doctors from the orthopaedics department. They will remain suspended until the completion of the investigation, after which further action will be taken. KGMU spokesperson Dr KK Singh told TOI that action will be taken after the inquiry committee submits its report.

Strongly opposing the suspension order, the United Doctors’ Front (UDF) association submitted a letter to the Vice Chancellor of KGMU demanding the immediate revocation of the suspension orders of the four orthopaedic residents and suspension of the nursing staff involved.

In the letter, the association described the suspension order as “unjust” and said it directly hampers patient care. It added that resident doctors form the backbone of medical services. Any action perceived as arbitrary against them inevitably leads to stress within the healthcare system, indirectly impacting patients, attendants, and the institution’s reputation.

"Similarly, unresolved issues with nursing staff and lack of transparent inquiry mechanisms create avoidable tensions in a place meant for healing and compassion," the letter further noted.

In support of the KGMU doctors, the association also demanded clarification from university authorities regarding false and contradictory allegations. They pointed out that the FIR named nine residents, yet only four were suspended, calling the action inconsistent and discriminatory.

The UDF further urged the immediate implementation of a Nursing Code of Conduct within the university to prevent future incidents of indiscipline and ensure accountability.

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