Relatives Assault Doctor Inside Ward, Tear Clothes, Attempt Strangulation
NEW DELHI: A horrifying incident occurred at Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital in Rohini on Monday, when a second-year female resident doctor from the gynaecology department was allegedly assaulted by the relatives of a newborn baby who had died earlier that day. The attack took place inside the hospital ward in broad daylight, causing outrage among the medical fraternity.
Doctor Attacked with Stethoscope, Clothes Torn
According to the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), the assailants tore the doctor’s clothes and attempted to strangle her with her own stethoscope. She sustained visible scratches during the violent assault, while bystanders reportedly stood helpless. No hospital security personnel were present at the time of the incident, which occurred around 2 pm.
Baby Was in NICU for a Week Before Death
RDA President Dr Anirban Bhaumik said the baby had been admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on June 2. The infant died on Monday morning, after which the grieving family members launched the attack on the doctor. Fellow doctors and nursing staff eventually intervened and rescued her.
Hospital Authorities React Swiftly, MLC Filed
Dr Meenakshi Sridhar, the hospital’s medical director, said she reached the scene within five minutes and immediately initiated a medico-legal case (MLC). “Resident doctors covered her with a gown, and her torn clothes were handed over to police in a sealed packet. I called the chief medical officer and ensured that the FIR was filed,” said Dr Sridhar.
CCTV Footage Handed Over to Police, Five Accused Questioned
Dr Sridhar confirmed that CCTV footage of the incident was reviewed and submitted to the police. “All five accused were taken to the police station by 4 pm for questioning,” she added. The hospital administration is fully cooperating with the investigation.
No Medical Negligence, Says Medical Director
Responding to allegations, Dr Sridhar clarified that the baby was born via caesarean section and had an Asphyxia score of 3 at birth—indicating extremely poor survival prospects. Despite being placed on a ventilator and receiving intensive care for seven days, the newborn could not be saved. “There was absolutely no medical negligence involved,” she emphasized.
Health Authorities Informed, Doctors Demand Protection
Terming the incident as “unacceptable,” Dr Sridhar said she has informed the health secretary and called for strict and immediate action. The incident has once again brought the issue of doctor safety into focus, with medical professionals demanding stronger security measures in hospitals.
