Woman doctor, staff assaulted by patient attendants at Chamba Hospital
Violence Against Doctors
Chamba: In a disturbing incident at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba late Wednesday night, a woman doctor, security guards, and technical staff were allegedly assaulted by attendants after a patient died during treatment, triggering outrage among the medical community.
According to Medical College Faculty Association president Dr Manik Sehgal, the incident took place when a heart attack patient was brought to the emergency ward around midnight in a critical condition.
“He had no vitals when he was brought in. The doctor on emergency duty made every possible effort to revive him, but he could not be saved,” Sehgal stated.
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Soon after the patient was declared dead, his attendants allegedly became aggressive. They reportedly verbally abused the woman doctor and physically assaulted her. In an attempt to escape, she moved towards the minor operation theatre, but the attackers allegedly followed her and tried to assault her again. Security guards and technical staff who intervened were also beaten during the incident. The entire episode was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the hospital.
Condemning the incident, the faculty association termed it “deplorable” and demanded strict legal action against those involved. It also called for stronger security measures to ensure a safe working environment for healthcare professionals.
As per the news reports by Tribune India, Principal Dr Pankaj Gupta said the issue was serious, noting that incidents of violence and misbehaviour against doctors and staff have occurred earlier as well. “It is essential that the accused are arrested and strict action is taken to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.
In response to the incident, outsourced employees, along with other hospital staff, staged a sit-in protest outside the medical college campus. Protesters blocked the road, demanding immediate action against the culprits and stronger safety measures. The protest was later called off after the administration assured prompt action and improved security arrangements.
Police said an FIR was registered after examination of CCTV footage, and a case was lodged under Sections 132 and 121(3) of the BNS. Hospital staff said they had long been demanding a police post and stronger security arrangements at the medical college, reports TOI.
Speaking to Tribune India, Chamba SP Vijay Kumar Saklani said four persons have been detained for questioning, and the investigation is on. “CCTV footage is being examined, and efforts are being made to nab the accused. They will be arrested soon,” he added.
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