Resident doctors at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences resumed OPD and elective services after hospital management agreed to strengthen security measures following an alleged threat to a junior resident doctor
The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) has called off its strike following assurances from hospital management regarding enhanced security measures for healthcare workers.
With the strike ending on Saturday, outpatient department (OPD) services and elective medical procedures resumed normal operations.
The protest had been initiated after a junior resident doctor was allegedly verbally abused and threatened by relatives of a patient receiving treatment at the hospital.
Resident Doctor Allegedly Threatened by Patient Attendants
According to RDA spokesperson Dr M Raju, a patient aged around 60 had been admitted to the emergency department with bleeding in the brain. The patient was undergoing treatment, and a neurology consultation, CT scan of the head and Foley catheterisation had been advised.
Dr Raju said several emergency patients were waiting for treatment, prompting the postgraduate doctor to attend to another patient while the equipment required for catheterisation was being arranged.
By the time the equipment was brought, the patient had reportedly passed urine. The patient’s attendants then allegedly confronted the doctor and questioned why doctors were not treating patients despite being paid from public funds.
Security personnel and the duty resident medical officer (RMO) reached the spot after being alerted, while other resident doctors also gathered at the location. The attendants subsequently left, according to the RDA.
The junior resident later submitted a written complaint to the RMO.
NIMS Announces Multiple Security Measures
Following discussions with the RDA, NIMS management agreed to introduce additional security measures and strengthen existing systems to prevent violence against healthcare workers.
The hospital has also registered FIRs in connection with similar incidents reported on August 31 and September 16, 2026.
As part of the security measures, NIMS has established a dedicated Security and Safety Committee. The committee will review existing protocols, strengthen mechanisms to prevent violence and streamline emergency responses.
The management has also agreed to upgrade security infrastructure through several measures, including:
- Deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs)
- Increase in the number of security personnel
- Establishment of police outposts
- Expansion of CCTV surveillance
- Installation of panic buttons
RDA Seeks Time-Bound Implementation
The RDA submitted specific amendments seeking clear deadlines for implementing the security measures and defined response times for incidents involving violence.
The association also called for the creation of Violence/Incident Review and Counselling Committees.
The resident doctors’ body thanked the NIMS Director and hospital management for their response and discussions on strengthening workplace security.
Strike Called Off With Focus on Patient Care
The RDA said it decided to call off the strike while prioritising patient care and the continuation of essential medical services.
However, the association will continue monitoring the implementation of the promised security measures to ensure a safe working environment for healthcare professionals, according to the RDA.
