Viral Video: Female doctor slapped at Thane Hospital, Shiv Sena corporator among 6 booked
Two Doctors Allegedly Assaulted After Newborn Referred Due to Lack of NICU Bed
Thane: In a shocking incident, two on-duty doctors were allegedly assaulted inside a civic-run hospital in Maharashtra's Thane district 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 have booked a Shiv Sena corporator and five others in connection with the incident.
The incident took place on Monday evening at Shastri Nagar Hospital in Kalyan, which is operated by the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). According to police, the accused allegedly abused and physically attacked the female doctor and her colleague while they were on duty.
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Police said the doctors had informed the family of a newborn that the infant would have to be shifted to another hospital as there were no vacant beds in the NICU. The family allegedly contacted a Shiv Sena corporator, who arrived at the hospital with several associates.
The group allegedly confronted the two doctors before physically assaulting them inside the hospital. One of the doctors reportedly sustained injuries during the attack.
Videos of the alleged assault have gone viral on social media. In one video, the corporator can allegedly be seen confronting and attacking the doctors inside the hospital premises. Another video shows nurses breaking down in tears following the incident, highlighting the fear and distress among hospital staff.
The alleged assault has drawn sharp condemnation from the medical fraternity and the public, with healthcare professionals expressing concern over the growing incidents of violence against doctors.
Senior KDMC officials, including Medical Health Officer Dr. Deepa Shukla, approached the police late Monday night to file a complaint. However, an FIR was not registered immediately, leading to criticism from doctors' associations.
Medical organisations also alleged that attempts were being made to shield the accused corporator, an allegation that added to the growing anger among healthcare workers, reports News 18.
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) strongly condemned the alleged assault and urged the Maharashtra government to take immediate and strict action against those responsible. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, FAIMA described the incident as a serious threat to the safety of healthcare workers and demanded the immediate arrest of all accused persons, irrespective of their political affiliations.
FAIMA stated that doctors cannot be held responsible for systemic problems such as shortages of NICU beds, inadequate infrastructure, or administrative limitations. The organisation called for a zero-tolerance policy against violence in healthcare facilities and demanded stronger security measures in government hospitals across Maharashtra.
Speaking on the incident, Dr Rohan Krishnan, Chief of FAIMA, representing India’s young doctors, condemned the alleged assault, calling it “heartbreaking”. He said issues like NICU bed availability and hospital infrastructure are administrative responsibilities, and doctors and paramedical staff should not be targeted for such failures. He added that violence against healthcare workers is increasing and strict action is needed to ensure their safety.
In a post on 'X', the United Doctors Front (UDF) called the incident “disgraceful and deeply disturbing”, saying that attacks on doctors and healthcare workers were becoming increasingly common. The organisation said that when people in positions of power engage in such violence, it sends a dangerous message to society.
“This is an attack not just on one doctor, but on the entire healthcare system and every citizen who depends on it. Immediate arrest and strict legal action are the minimum that must happen. No one is above the law,” the UDF said.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the UDF demanded immediate registration of an FIR against all those involved, prompt arrests, a transparent and time-bound investigation, strict punishment under applicable laws, enhanced security at Shastri Nagar Hospital and other government hospitals, and a high-level inquiry into the circumstances that led to the incident.
The organisation also demanded protection for protesting doctors and healthcare workers and urged the government to ensure that no medical professional faces retaliation for raising concerns about workplace safety.
Reacting to the incident, a doctor wrote on 'X': “Study for 15+ years. Clear NEET. Become a specialist. Join a government hospital to serve. Then get assaulted because a VIP patient couldn't get a bed. Doctors are paying the price for systemic failures they didn't create.”
