Protest at Acharya Bhikshu Govt Hospital
MBBS interns and resident doctors at Acharya Bhikshu Government Hospital, New Delhi, have called off their duties in protest after an incident of violence in the casualty department on August 21.
Allegations Against Moti Nagar MLA
According to the doctors, Moti Nagar MLA Harish Khurana allegedly physically assaulted and verbally abused an on-duty doctor, demanding immediate treatment for a 10-year-old child with a minor finger injury. A video showing the MLA shouting at doctors in the Emergency Department has gone viral.
Incident in Casualty
Doctors stated that the on-duty physician was attending critical patients while a colleague was suturing a trauma case. The child’s attendants allegedly began abusing and threatening the doctor when asked to wait a few minutes. One person then introduced himself as the MLA, pushed the doctor, and hurled abuses while others recorded videos and misbehaved with staff.
Complaint Submitted to Medical Superintendent
In a formal complaint, the interns and resident doctors described the incident as a serious attack on medical professionals’ dignity and security. They alleged that guards present failed to intervene. The doctors demanded an impartial inquiry, release of CCTV footage, an apology, and police action against the MLA. They also called for increased security deployment at casualty wards.
Doctors’ Collective Strike Decision
The protesting doctors stated: “Till adequate action is taken, no intern or postgraduate will continue their duties.” They emphasized the need for a safe workplace to ensure patient care.
Support from AIIMS RDA
The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), AIIMS, extended solidarity with the Acharya Bhikshu Hospital doctors. In a letter to the Delhi CM, it condemned the assault and demanded immediate arrest of those involved, irrespective of political connections. It also called for enhanced security at government hospitals, fast-track trials in violence cases, and written safety assurances.
LHMC Doctors Condemn Violence
The RDA of Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) also wrote to the Delhi CM, terming the incident part of a disturbing trend of increasing violence against healthcare professionals. They demanded strict action under the Delhi Medicare Service Personnel and Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2008, along with public awareness campaigns and a zero-tolerance policy on violence.
Medical Bodies React
- FAIMA on X: “Unacceptable! Doctors are being assaulted at Acharya Shree Bhikshu Hospital allegedly by MLA @HarishKhuranna & his men. Is this how we treat frontline healthcare workers? @DelhiPolice must act immediately. Zero tolerance for #ViolenceAgainstDoctors.”
- FORDA on X: “Alleged #violence against doctors at Acharya Shree Bhikshu Hospital by #MLA of #Motinagar @HarishKhuranna & his people. What law and order is this @BJP4India? Reportedly, the conflict is still ongoing. Shame.”
