Mumbai: The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has issued a notice to the Medical Superintendent of VN Desai Hospital, a BMC-run facility in Santacruz, following a complaint related to a maternal death that occurred four days after childbirth last November. The tragic event sparked a confrontation between the deceased woman’s family and hospital staff, which further escalated after a doctor allegedly smashed a family member’s mobile phone.
Incident Background
The altercation broke out when grieving family members questioned hospital staff regarding the death of the mother, which occurred shortly after she delivered her baby. A video of the confrontation, which circulated widely, showed a heated exchange, but did not visibly capture the phone being damaged. However, the complaint alleges that the doctor forcibly took and smashed the phone, intensifying the already tense situation.
According to The Times of India, the complaint noted:
“This act outraged the mob and could have marked the beginning of the violence towards other staff… the mob could have vandalised the hospital further.”
Escalation and Aftermath
The situation spiraled into violence. As previously reported by Medical Dialogues, a mob of 27 individuals allegedly attacked a woman doctor and several nurses, following the deaths of both the mother and newborn at the hospital. A police case was registered against the 27 individuals for assaulting healthcare personnel.
However, the complainant maintained that responsibility lies with both sides. A hospital doctor acknowledged that while bringing a mob was unjustified, the Medical Superintendent’s act of breaking the phone contributed to the escalation, noting:
“He was expected to defuse the situation, not inflame it.”
Another statement highlighted that if Dr. Acharya had objected to the recording, he should have either requested the relative to stop, instructed guards to intervene, or called the police — instead of directly damaging the device.
MMC Seeks Clarification
Dr. Acharya has confirmed receiving the notice:
“MMC has asked me for an explanation for the action, and I will be responding to it,” he told TOI.
The MMC’s inquiry comes in the backdrop of increased violence against healthcare workers, raising concerns about both the security of medical personnel and the protocols to be followed in emotionally charged situations.
Broader Context
This incident is the latest in a series of violent episodes in hospitals across India, prompting growing demands for better security, clearer conflict resolution protocols, and more accountability from both healthcare providers and the public.
As the MMC awaits Dr. Acharya’s response, the case underscores the delicate balance between empathy, professionalism, and security in high-stakes medical environments.
