Delhi doctor assaulted by patient's attendant amid security review
A resident doctor and a medical dresser at Doctor Hedgewar Hospital in Karkardooma, Delhi, were reportedly assaulted by a patient's relative late Saturday night. This incident occurred despite the central government's recent directive for all its hospitals to enhance security measures by up to 25%. The victimized doctor, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that he was attacked while providing critical care to an intoxicated patient.
Doctor recounts harrowing assault during patient treatment
The doctor described the incident, stating that around 1am on Saturday night, he was treating a patient with a forehead injury. "I took him to the dressing room to stitch the wound. After I finished the first stitch and was working on the second, the patient suddenly pushed me and began hurling abuses," he said. The situation escalated when the patient's son entered and slapped him while both continued their verbal abuse.
Assault follows nationwide strike by resident doctors
The assault comes on the heels of a nationwide strike by resident doctors, which ended on August 24. The 11-day protest was sparked by the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The strike significantly disrupted non-emergency services at major central and Delhi government hospitals. It concluded after the Supreme Court's intervention and government assurances to address safety concerns.
SC forms task force for medic's safety, security
In response to the strike, the Supreme Court established a 10-member National Task Force to develop a protocol ensuring medics' safety and security. The task force is expected to present its interim report within three weeks and its final report within two months. On August 19, the Union Health Ministry approved the deployment of Marshalls in central government hospitals for immediate security-related assistance.
