A disturbing incident of violence occurred at Doctor Hedgewar Hospital in Karkardooma late Saturday night, involving a resident doctor and a medical dresser who were allegedly attacked by a patient’s attendant. The assault took place just days after resident doctors in Delhi resumed work following an 11-day nationwide strike.
The resident doctor, who requested anonymity, described the incident to PTI. “Late Saturday night, around 1:00 am, a patient with a forehead injury was brought to the hospital. I took him to the dressing room to stitch the wound. After completing the first stitch and beginning the second, the patient suddenly pushed me and started hurling abuses,” the doctor said. The patient’s son, who was outside the room, then entered, slapped the doctor, and both individuals continued the verbal and physical abuse.
The patient involved in the incident was reportedly intoxicated, according to the doctor. The assault occurred while the doctor was providing critical care, highlighting ongoing tensions and issues faced by medical professionals.
The attack comes in the wake of a nationwide strike by resident doctors, which began on August 12. The strike was initiated in response to the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, which led to severe disruptions in non-emergency services, including outpatient departments (OPD) and diagnostic facilities, at major central and Delhi government hospitals.
Resident doctors resumed their duties on August 23 following an appeal from the Supreme Court and assurances from the government to address their concerns. However, this recent assault underscores the continuing challenges faced by healthcare professionals in ensuring their safety while performing their duties.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the need for better protection and support for medical staff working in high-pressure environments. As investigations into the assault continue, there are calls for increased security measures to prevent such violent incidents in the future.
Sources By Agencies
