New Delhi: The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) has called for a fair, transparent, and independent inquiry after a senior resident doctor from the Anaesthesia Department at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital was allegedly physically assaulted by the Head of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) Department inside the Operation Theatre.
Incident Triggers Protest and Service Withdrawal
The alleged assault led to a major protest within the hospital, prompting senior resident doctors to halt work in the CTVS operation theatres and ICU. Doctors demanded the immediate removal of the CTVS HOD, stating that workplace safety and dignity had been severely compromised.
FORDA Writes to Union Health Minister
In a letter to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, FORDA condemned the incident and highlighted that while a formal complaint had been filed and an institutional committee was constituted, the administration failed to ensure timely and effective action. The association expressed deep dissatisfaction with the hospital’s handling of the matter.
Failure to Honour Committee Recommendations
According to FORDA, certain remedial measures and apologies were agreed upon between the concerned parties, the RDA of VMMC-Safdarjung, and hospital administration. However, the administration allegedly did not honour the commitments or take meaningful steps toward resolving the issue, eroding residents’ trust in the grievance redressal system.
Anaesthesia Residents Withdraw Services
The absence of safety assurance and administrative support has led anaesthesia residents to withdraw services from elective operation theatres and related areas. This withdrawal, FORDA noted, has adversely impacted patient care in one of the country’s busiest tertiary-care hospitals, raising concerns about operational safety and staffing morale.
Pattern of Violence and Toxic Work Culture
FORDA’s letter emphasised that the incident is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of intimidation, harassment, and toxic work culture repeatedly reported from various government medical colleges and hospitals. Despite multiple appeals for a stronger protection framework, workplace violence against healthcare workers continues to persist.
Demand for Independent and Time-Bound Inquiry
The association has urged the Union Health Minister to ensure an independent and time-bound investigation into the alleged assault by the CTVS HOD. It has also sought stringent disciplinary action if the charges are substantiated, along with safeguards for the complainants and witnesses.
Call to Protect Residents and Prevent Retaliation
FORDA further demanded that the administration honour all written resolutions, uphold accountability, and prevent punitive or vindictive measures against resident doctors who voiced their grievances. The association stressed that protecting doctors’ dignity and workplace safety is essential for maintaining a healthy and effective healthcare environment.
