Pulwama hospital doctor assaulted by patient's attendant, suffers head injury
Srinagar: In a shocking incident, a medical officer at District Hospital Pulwama sustained serious head injuries requiring eight stitches after he was allegedly assaulted by a patient’s attendant inside the hospital premises on Friday, officials said.
According to the news reports, the incident took place in the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the District Hospital Pulwama in South Kashmir, while the doctor was on duty.
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The attendant allegedly tried to force the doctor, who was performing his duties at the Outpatient Department (OPD), to examine his patient. The doctor had already worked an additional hour beyond his duty time and advised the attendant to have the patient examined by another doctor on duty, officials said, reports PTI.
Speaking to KNO, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Pulwama, Dr. Abdul Gani said, "Despite the doctor explaining the situation, the attendant became aggressive. He pushed the doctor and attacked him using a sitting bench. The iron portion of the bench struck the doctor on the forehead, causing a deep injury."
He added that the doctor suffered a deep head wound and required eight stitches on his forehead following the assault. During the altercation, a security guard who attempted to intervene was also injured, officials said.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from the medical fraternity, with the FAIMA Doctors Association terming the assault “unacceptable and alarming,” stressing that violence against healthcare workers must be dealt with strictly.
Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan also condemned the assault, saying the doctor was attacked while performing his professional responsibilities inside the hospital.
“Doctors are meant to save lives, not become victims of violence inside hospitals,” Dr. Momin said.
He further appealed to the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama and the police authorities to ensure prompt and strict action against those involved in the incident.
In a statement posted on 'X', Dr Wasim Khan, founder and chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Association, condemned the assault on the doctor at Pulwama Hospital.
“Doctor attacked by attendants at Pulwama Hospital. He sustained severe head injuries and received eight stitches following the assault. What is going on? Culprits must face strict punishment,” he wrote on X.
The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students Association (JKMSA) also strongly condemned the incident, calling the assault “brutal and unacceptable.” The association demanded the immediate arrest of those involved and strict punishment to deter similar incidents in the future.
It also urged the government and the Health Department to strengthen security arrangements in hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir and ensure adequate protection for doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare workers working under challenging circumstances.
Meanwhile, the J&K Students Association confirmed that Pulwama Police has registered an FIR in connection with the assault and initiated an investigation into the matter. The association thanked Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pulwama, Tanushree, for taking swift cognisance of the case and responding promptly.
