Back-to-back attacks on resident doctors in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar expose serious hospital security lapses; FIR filed, probe underway
In a disturbing series of incidents, two resident doctors were allegedly assaulted within 24 hours at Mahatma Gandhi Mission Medical College and Hospital (MGM MCH) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, raising serious concerns over the safety of healthcare workers and hospital security systems.
First Incident: Pediatric Resident Attacked in Postnatal Ward
The first assault took place on April 28 in the postnatal ward when a junior pediatric resident examined a newborn and found signs of jaundice. The doctor advised immediate admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which reportedly triggered outrage among the baby’s relatives.
According to hospital sources, the situation escalated as the relatives verbally abused the doctor. Despite attempts by co-residents and senior doctors to de-escalate the situation, tensions persisted for two days.
On the day of discharge, the conflict turned violent. The baby’s mother allegedly slapped the junior doctor, after which other family members joined in and physically assaulted him. The doctor was rescued and rushed to the NICU by senior staff.
Second Incident: Medicine Resident Assaulted in Casualty
Within 24 hours, on April 29, another incident occurred in the casualty department. A medicine resident doctor was attacked after declaring a patient “brought dead.”
Despite performing CPR and explaining that the patient had no signs of life upon arrival, the relatives allegedly became aggressive and assaulted the doctor, claiming the patient was stable before reaching the hospital.
MARD Condemns Violence, Flags “Systemic Failure”
Condemning both incidents, the Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) termed the attacks “deeply alarming” and indicative of systemic negligence rather than isolated events.
The association warned of a statewide agitation if immediate corrective measures are not implemented.
“Doctors cannot be expected to deliver quality care in an environment of fear and vulnerability. Workplace security is a fundamental right,” said Dr. Suyash Dhavane, General Secretary of Central MARD and National Secretary of FAIMA.
Key Demands by Resident Doctors
In response to the attacks, MARD has outlined urgent demands to improve hospital safety:
- Strict Access Control: Implementation of a “One Patient – One Relative” policy
- Enhanced Security: Deployment of trained personnel in high-risk areas like ICUs and casualty
- Infrastructure Upgrade: Installation of CCTV cameras and panic alarm systems
- Legal Action: Immediate FIR under the Maharashtra Medicare Violence Prevention Act
FIR Filed, Authorities Assure Action
Following the incidents, resident doctors, supported by hospital authorities, filed a police complaint. An FIR has been registered, and an investigation is currently underway.
Hospital administration has reportedly assured doctors that necessary steps will be taken to strengthen security and prevent such incidents in the future.
Rising Violence Against Doctors a Growing Concern
These incidents add to a growing list of attacks on healthcare professionals across India, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws and better protection mechanisms within medical institutions.
Healthcare workers continue to demand safer working environments, emphasizing that fear and insecurity directly impact patient care and medical outcomes.
