PG Resident Doctor Allegedly Attacked Inside Restricted ICU Area; Doctors’ Associations Call for Immediate Legal Action
A serious incident of violence against a healthcare worker has sparked outrage across the medical community after a second-year postgraduate (PG) resident doctor at Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad was allegedly assaulted by patient attendants while performing duties in the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU).
According to the Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA), the incident took place after a child who had been shifted from the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit to an isolation ward during the recovery phase began crying excessively. Earlier on June 7, the duty doctor had examined the child and thoroughly counselled family members regarding the patient’s condition and treatment plan.
Despite being informed about the child’s medical status, five attendants, including two men and three women, allegedly entered the restricted RICU area without authorization. Although the child was reportedly experiencing only minor discomfort, the resident doctor decided to move the patient back to the RICU as a precautionary measure to ensure closer observation and enhanced patient safety.
Following the transfer, the doctor requested the attendants to leave the restricted care area and allowed only the child’s mother to remain, in accordance with standard ICU protocols. However, instead of complying with the instructions, the attendants allegedly assaulted the resident doctor inside the hospital premises, T-JUDA representatives claimed.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from doctors’ associations across India. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, National Spokesperson of FAIMA India, strongly condemned the attack in a post on social media platform X, stating that violence against doctors directly impacts the healthcare system and patient care.
Meanwhile, the Osmania Junior Doctors Association (OJDA) raised concerns regarding emergency response mechanisms within the hospital. The association alleged that doctors on duty were unable to immediately contact law enforcement authorities because the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) helpline was reportedly not functioning at the time of the incident.
The Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), Telangana, also condemned the assault, emphasizing that the resident doctor acted solely in the interest of patient safety and followed established ICU guidelines. The organization described the attack as unacceptable and demanded strict action against those responsible.
The Telangana Senior Resident Doctors Association (TSRDA) echoed similar concerns and called for enhanced security arrangements in government hospitals. The association urged authorities to deploy Special Protection Force (SPF) personnel at strategic locations within major healthcare institutions to prevent violence against healthcare workers and ensure rapid intervention during emergencies.
Following the alleged assault, junior doctors have demanded the immediate registration of a criminal case against the accused attendants. Medical associations have also sought stringent legal action under existing laws designed to protect healthcare professionals from workplace violence.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing concerns surrounding the safety and security of doctors in hospitals, with healthcare organizations urging governments and hospital administrations to implement stronger protective measures to safeguard medical professionals while they deliver critical patient care.
