Patna: In a shocking act of violence, two junior resident doctors at Prasad Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Lucknow, were brutally assaulted by a mob of 25–30 individuals, including the deceased patient’s attendants, inside the hospital’s emergency ward on Tuesday night.
The incident occurred around 10:15 PM, following the death of a patient named Ravi during treatment. Enraged by the outcome, the patient’s relatives confronted the on-duty doctors—Dr. Robin Chatterjee and Dr. Shubham Jagdale—and the situation quickly escalated into a physical assault. Both doctors sustained serious injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.
According to a complaint filed with the police by Dr. Shailesh Yadav, Principal of PIMS, the mob not only assaulted the doctors but also attacked nursing staff and vandalized hospital property, including medical trolleys, curtains, and equipment inside the casualty ward.
A video of the attack, now viral on social media, captures the harrowing moments of the assault as chaos unfolded in the emergency room. Other patients and attendants can be seen panicking amid the violence, underscoring the vulnerability of healthcare settings in such volatile situations.
Despite the incident being reported, no arrests have been made so far. Authorities say they are investigating, but the lack of swift action has drawn strong criticism from the medical community and the public alike.
Nationwide Condemnation
The attack has sparked widespread outrage among doctors across India, many of whom took to social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to demand justice and protection for healthcare workers.
One post from a user identifying as ‘Indian Doctor’ read:
“The attack highlights concerns about safety and security for medical professionals in India. Kindly take strict actions & provide security. @Uppolice @PMOIndia @myogiadityanath”
Another user condemned the alleged mismanagement by PIMS administration itself:
“This is the worst college for students. The dean is toxic, and no one should take admission here. Residents are silenced from protesting or even speaking out.”
Rising Violence Against Healthcare Workers
This incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks on doctors in India—an issue that has repeatedly been flagged by medical associations but remains inadequately addressed in terms of legal protections.
Speaking to Edexlive, Dr. Vinod Sharma Bagra, National President of the All India MBBS Doctors Association (AIMDA), said:
“These recurring incidents are deeply concerning. How can doctors carry out their duties in an environment where their safety is constantly threatened?”
Despite repeated appeals by the medical fraternity for a central law to curb violence against healthcare workers, India still lacks a stringent nationwide statute to address such attacks decisively.
Call for Urgent Reforms
The brutal assault at PIMS underscores the urgent need for stronger legal frameworks, institutional accountability, and heightened security at medical establishments. With each such incident, faith in the public healthcare system and safety of its workforce continues to erode.
