Andhra: Patient grabs doctor's hair, slams her head against bed
A woman junior doctor at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences in Tirupati was attacked by a patient, an incident caught on the hospital's CCTV cameras. The footage shows the assailant grabbing her by the hair and banging her head against a hospital bed's steel frame before other doctors intervened and subdued the attacker. This incident comes amid a nationwide outcry for better protection of doctors following the recent rape and murder at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Doctor writes to hospital VC
In a letter to Dr RV Kumar, the director cum vice-chancellor of SVIMS, the intern recounted that she was on duty in the Emergency Medicine Department on Saturday when she was "unexpectedly attacked by a patient, Bangaru Raju, who approached me from behind, pulled my hair, and began forcibly banging my head against the steel rod of a cot." She highlighted the absence of security personnel and expressed serious concerns about workplace safety.
Hospital staff protest, demand enhanced security measures
Following the assault, SVIMS doctors staged a protest demanding improved safety measures at their workplace. The incident at the hospital in Andhra Pradesh follows the recent horrific rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata. The 31-year-old doctor was attacked while on duty, prompting widespread outrage. The tragedy has led to massive protests, with doctors from several top institutions across the country taking to the streets, demanding better safety measures at their workplaces.
SC sets up task force
In response to the growing concern over safety, the Supreme Court has established a 10-member National Task Force. The objective of this task force is to recommend measures that prevent violence against healthcare workers and ensure their working conditions. The court stated that the task force would develop an action plan to curb gender-based violence and guarantee a dignified workspace for doctors.
