Surat Hospital resident doctors go on strike over patient misconduct

Surat: In a shocking incident, a resident doctor from the surgery department at the trauma centre of Surat New Civil Hospital has alleged misbehaviour by a heavily intoxicated patient, who was brought in by ambulance for emergency treatment.

The situation escalated following a heated confrontation that broke out between the Casualty Medical Officer (CMO) and resident doctors, ultimately leading to a strike.

The resident doctors who joined the strike claimed that instead of ensuring their safety, the CMO joined in a blame game with the resident doctors over the incident. This led to a heated argument, following which the doctors staged a strike and suspended all duties.

The incident occurred on the night of October 2, 2025, when an intoxicated patient was brought to the hospital’s trauma centre in an 108 ambulance. After being shifted to the surgery department, the patient allegedly misbehaved with a resident doctor.

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When the doctor raised concerns about security with the CMO, the discussion turned into an argument. Soon, a large number of resident doctors from the surgery department gathered outside the CMO’s cabin.

“The patient was out of control and misbehaved with the staff. Instead of ensuring security, the issue turned into a blame game with the CMO,” a resident doctor who took part in the strike told The Blunt Times.

The resident doctors then staged a protest at the trauma centre, raising slogans like “We want justice” and “CMO Hai Hai.” They refused to resume duties until security arrangements at the hospital were strengthened.

Following the incident, hospital superintendent Dr Dharitri Parmar and other medical officers rushed to the spot. The chaos at the trauma centre continued late into the night.

Meanwhile, the strike affected several patients who had come for emergency treatment, many of whom had to return without receiving care. For the time being, the hospital authorities temporarily stopped the 108 ambulance service and asked SMIMER Hospital to handle the incoming emergency trauma patients instead.

Police later arrived and took the intoxicated patient into custody. On Friday morning, the doctors called off their strike after officials assured them that an inquiry committee would be formed to investigate the incident and address long-pending issues with the Police Investigation Unit (PIU).

Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr Ketan Nayak told The Blunt Times, “The rowdy patient was handed over to the police, but the matter escalated due to previous unresolved issues. We have assured doctors that an investigation committee will be formed to address their demands. For now, we coordinated with SMIMER Hospital to handle trauma cases. Patient care remains our top priority.”

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