Surat: Resident doctors at the surgery department of the trauma centre at Surat New Civil Hospital staged a strike following an incident in which a heavily intoxicated patient allegedly misbehaved with a doctor on duty. The confrontation escalated after the Casualty Medical Officer (CMO) reportedly failed to ensure staff safety and engaged in a blame game with the resident doctors.
The incident occurred on the night of October 2, 2025, when the patient was brought in via 108 ambulance for emergency treatment. After being admitted to the surgery department, the patient reportedly misbehaved with a resident doctor, prompting doctors to raise concerns about hospital security with the CMO. The discussion escalated into a heated argument, leading to a large number of resident doctors gathering outside the CMO’s cabin and suspending all duties.
During the protest, doctors raised slogans like “We want justice” and “CMO Hai Hai”, demanding stronger security arrangements. The strike affected emergency patients, with several leaving without receiving care. Hospital authorities temporarily suspended the 108 ambulance service and coordinated with SMIMER Hospital to manage incoming trauma cases.
Police later took the intoxicated patient into custody. Following assurances from hospital officials that an inquiry committee would be formed to investigate the incident and address long-standing issues with the Police Investigation Unit (PIU), resident doctors called off their strike on Friday morning.
RMO Dr. Ketan Nayak stated, “The rowdy patient was handed over to the police, but the matter escalated due to previous unresolved issues. An investigation committee will be formed to address our demands. Patient care remains our top priority.”
The hospital has committed to strengthening security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
