Resident doctors protest safety concerns after alleged attack on female junior doctor in emergency ward
Emergency medical services at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College were disrupted after resident doctors went on strike following the alleged assault of an on-duty female junior doctor, officials confirmed on Friday.
Alleged Assault Sparks Protest
The incident reportedly took place on Thursday afternoon in the emergency ward, where a female patient allegedly slapped a junior doctor. The situation escalated amid heavy patient rush and delays in medical investigations.
According to reports, the accused, Prachi Maheshwari, had visited the hospital with her husband after an initial consultation in the outpatient department. The confrontation allegedly occurred when she did not receive immediate or preferential treatment.
Doctors Raise Safety Concerns
The protest was led by the Resident Doctors Association (RDA), with vice president Akhtar Ali highlighting repeated incidents of violence against medical staff.
Doctors claimed that despite earlier assurances from university and district authorities regarding enhanced security—including deployment of police teams and additional personnel—no concrete steps had been taken.
“We are feeling insecure. Such incidents are increasing, and promised security measures have not been implemented,” he said.
Police Action and University Response
Naved Khan dismissed allegations of delayed response, stating that an FIR was promptly registered at the Civil Lines Police Station against the patient and her husband.
Civil Lines Inspector Arun Kumar confirmed that a case has been filed under sections related to assaulting a doctor and obstructing government work, and an investigation is underway.
Security Shortage at Campus
University authorities acknowledged a shortage of security personnel due to a recruitment freeze caused by financial constraints. Officials also pointed out a lack of adequate female security staff, which has become a concern as several recent incidents involved female patients or attendants.
Talks Underway to End Strike
A meeting between senior university officials and RDA representatives is currently in progress to resolve the issue. Authorities have assured doctors that steps will be taken to strengthen security arrangements, including deploying staff from other departments at sensitive locations.
Larger Issue in Public Healthcare
A junior doctor, speaking anonymously, said that overcrowding and limited resources in government hospitals—especially those serving economically weaker sections—are contributing to rising tensions and incidents of violence.
The situation remains tense as healthcare services continue to be affected, with patients facing difficulties due to the ongoing strike.
