Chennai: A duty doctor from the oncology department at the Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital (KCMSH) in Guindy was stabbed multiple times on Wednesday morning by a man reportedly upset over the treatment of his mother. The doctor, who sustained serious injuries, is currently stable and receiving medical care.
The attacker, the son of a patient, was apprehended on the spot, and the police are questioning him regarding the incident.
Protests and Indefinite Strike
The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) condemned the attack, announcing an indefinite strike starting Wednesday afternoon. While emergency services and critical surgeries will continue, routine consultations and other medical services have been suspended.
Doctors at KCMSH staged an immediate protest following the attack, demanding stricter security measures. They gheraoed Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin during his visit to the injured doctor, urging swift action against the assailant and a comprehensive plan to ensure safety within hospitals.
TNGDA’s Call for Statewide Support
TNGDA President Dr. K. Senthil expressed frustration over repeated instances of violence against healthcare workers.
- “Why should we work when we don’t have security?” he asked, pointing out that similar appeals for better security have gone unaddressed for years.
- The association has urged doctors in private hospitals to join the strike as a show of solidarity.
Concerns Over Hospital Security
Dr. Senthil highlighted the massive daily footfall in Tamil Nadu’s government hospitals—approximately 5 lakh outpatients and 60,000 inpatients statewide—yet emphasized that security measures remain inadequate.
Government’s Response
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin assured strict action against the perpetrator and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving safety standards in hospitals. However, the immediate demand for additional security personnel remains unaddressed, fueling ongoing discontent among the medical fraternity.
This incident has reignited the debate over workplace safety for healthcare professionals and the need for stringent measures to prevent violence in hospitals.