Faridabad:
Around 400 resident doctors at ESIC Hospital, Faridabad, went on a two-day strike after alleging that the hospital Dean insulted and threatened a resident doctor for taking basic medicines for personal use.
According to the protesting doctors, the incident occurred on Friday or Saturday when a resident doctor prescribed himself commonly used medicines such as paracetamol and Pan 40. These medicines are inexpensive, easily available outside, and routinely provided free to patients in government hospitals.
However, when the prescription reached the hospital pharmacy, staff allegedly filed a complaint accusing the doctor of misusing hospital medicines. Following this, the Dean reportedly summoned the resident doctor to his office, verbally abused him, called him a “thief,” and threatened suspension and an inquiry.
The incident triggered widespread anger among resident doctors, who said they routinely work long hours caring for patients while often neglecting their own health. Being humiliated for seeking basic treatment, they said, was unacceptable.
During the protest, doctors held placards reading “We are doctors, not thieves”, accusing the Dean of abusing his authority and showing disrespect towards medical professionals.
“When we fall sick and take basic medicines, we are treated like criminals. They are treating us like third-class citizens,”
said a protesting doctor in a video that has gone viral on social media.
While the doctors continued emergency services during the two-day strike, they warned that if no action is taken against those responsible, they may intensify the agitation, including disruption of emergency services in the coming days.
