Lucknow: The King George’s Medical University (KGMU) administration has suspended four junior resident doctors from the orthopaedics department following a reported clash with an on-duty nursing officer at the university trauma centre. The suspension comes after allegations that the doctors assaulted the nursing officer, who also filed an FIR against them.
Opposing the suspension, colleagues of the doctors staged a protest demanding the order be revoked and that the nursing staff involved be suspended instead. The doctors alleged that the nursing officer had assaulted an on-duty doctor during an operation, which triggered the altercation.
According to the nursing officer’s complaint, around nine doctors, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, abused and physically assaulted him, leaving scratches on his neck and injuries behind his ear. The doctors countered by accusing the nursing officer of initiating the attack.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday around 11 pm, escalating from a minor dispute into a clash that caused significant disruption to critical patient care. Both groups later staged separate protests on the hospital campus, temporarily affecting emergency services and demanding action against the other party.
Following a preliminary investigation, KGMU authorities suspended the four junior orthopaedic residents pending the inquiry’s conclusion. Spokesperson Dr KK Singh stated that further action will be taken once the committee submits its report.
The United Doctors’ Front (UDF) strongly opposed the suspension, calling it “unjust” and potentially harmful to patient care. In a letter to the Vice Chancellor, the association highlighted inconsistencies in the action, noting that although the FIR named nine residents, only four were suspended. They also called for the implementation of a Nursing Code of Conduct to prevent future incidents and ensure accountability, emphasizing that transparent inquiry mechanisms are necessary to maintain harmony in the hospital.
