New Delhi: A major controversy has erupted at Safdarjung Hospital after a senior resident doctor from the Anaesthesia Department was allegedly physically assaulted by the Head of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) Department. The alleged incident reportedly took place inside a critical care area, sparking outrage among the medical fraternity.
Doctors Begin Mass Boycott in Protest
In response to the alleged act of workplace violence, senior resident doctors at the hospital initiated a mass work boycott. They have refused to participate in CTVS operation theatre and ICU duties until strict action is taken against the accused department head. According to the protesting doctors, the safety and dignity of healthcare workers must be protected.
RDA Demands Immediate Action
The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Safdarjung Hospital extended full support to the allegedly assaulted doctor and strongly condemned the incident. In a formal letter to the hospital director, the association demanded immediate removal of the CTVS Head from all active duties. They also called for suspension of his surgical privileges until an impartial inquiry is completed.
Key Demands of the Resident Doctors
The RDA listed several demands, including the formation of an independent Institutional Enquiry Committee to investigate the allegations and initiate disciplinary action as required. They also sought a mandatory psychiatric evaluation of the senior doctor accused, citing previous behavioural concerns and safety issues highlighted by residents.
Warning of Escalation if Demands Ignored
The association warned hospital authorities that if the demands remain unaddressed, they would be compelled to escalate the agitation. The letter emphasised that ensuring institutional accountability and a safe work environment is essential. The RDA urged immediate intervention to restore normalcy and protect the welfare of resident doctors.
FAIMA Extends Support on Social Media
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) also expressed solidarity with the resident doctors. Posting on its official X handle, FAIMA stated that a senior resident doctor had been physically abused by the CTVS Head and called for strict action. The association reiterated its full support to the victim and demanded accountability from the hospital administration.
Clarification Offered by Another Doctor
Following FAIMA’s post, another doctor responded with a clarification, stating that the alleged incident did not occur inside the operation theatre but in the CTVS ICU. According to him, the disagreement arose after the resident doctor displayed negligence while treating a critically ill child who subsequently went into cardiac arrest. He added that no act of physical assault has been proven so far and insisted that this clarification “must be included for fairness and transparency.”
Concerns Over Patient’s Condition Highlighted
The doctor further claimed that none of the signatories of the RDA letter had visited the child, who remains in a critical condition. He said this fact is essential to present a complete picture of the situation and stressed that the focus should also remain on the welfare of the patient. As tensions rise, the hospital administration is expected to conduct a thorough inquiry into both the allegations and the underlying medical episode.
