IMA President-Elect Among Doctors Allegedly Attacked in Hospital ICU, Nine Arrested
A violent attack on doctors at JP Orthopaedic Hospital in Udaipur, Rajasthan, has triggered widespread outrage across India’s medical community. The incident, which allegedly involved the assault of senior doctors, vandalism of hospital property, and disruption of critical healthcare services, has reignited concerns over the growing trend of violence against healthcare professionals.
Among those reportedly attacked was Dr. Anand Gupta, President-Elect of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Rajasthan chapter, who had rushed to the hospital after receiving an emergency call from colleagues seeking assistance during the disturbance.
Dispute Over Patient Treatment Escalates Into Violence
According to reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday night after relatives of a critically injured patient allegedly entered the hospital premises and confronted medical staff over treatment-related concerns.
The patient, a 50-year-old man, had been admitted to JP Orthopaedic Hospital following a road accident near Kanod. He reportedly suffered fractures in both arms and underwent surgery after being brought to the hospital.
Family members later claimed that the patient did not regain consciousness after the procedure and alleged that his condition deteriorated following surgery. As tensions rose, a large group of relatives and supporters allegedly gathered at the hospital, leading to a confrontation with doctors and staff.
Doctors Allege Mob Entered Operation Theatre
Medical professionals at the hospital claimed that the mob forcibly entered sensitive treatment areas, including the operation theatre, and physically assaulted doctors and healthcare workers.
Police from multiple stations were deployed to the hospital after the situation escalated around 9 p.m. Authorities eventually brought the situation under control and later arrested nine individuals in connection with the incident.
Videos circulating on social media allegedly show chaotic scenes inside the hospital, including doctors being assaulted, hospital property damaged, and police attempting to disperse the crowd.
IMA Leader Claims He Was Dragged and Assaulted
Dr. Anand Gupta stated that he was attacked while trying to assist fellow doctors during the violence.
“I was subjected to abusive behaviour, my clothes were torn, and I was dragged along the road. Around 17-18 people physically assaulted me. They tried to kill us, but a man saved me from the mob,” he reportedly said.
Doctors also alleged that senior medical professionals, including Dr. Sharma, his son, and other hospital staff members, were assaulted during the incident.
Medical Associations Condemn Attack
Medical organizations across India have strongly condemned the violence, describing it as an attack on the entire healthcare system.
The Rajasthan chapter of the Indian Medical Association Junior Doctors’ Network (IMA-JDN) said that violence has no place in healthcare settings and called for strict action against those responsible.
Several organizations, including the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), the United Doctors’ Front (UDF), and the Democratic Medical Association (DMA India), expressed solidarity with the affected doctors and demanded stronger legal safeguards for healthcare workers.
Demand for Central Protection Act Gains Momentum
Following the incident, multiple medical bodies renewed their demand for a comprehensive Central Protection Act to provide uniform legal protection for doctors, nurses, medical students, and healthcare workers across India.
The Faculty Association of AIIMS (FAIIMS) has reportedly written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate intervention and stronger legislation to curb attacks on healthcare professionals.
Medical leaders argued that repeated incidents of violence are affecting the morale, dignity, and safety of healthcare workers and warned that such attacks could ultimately impact patient care and public health services.
Growing Concern Over Violence Against Healthcare Workers
The Udaipur incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare professionals while performing their duties. Medical associations have emphasized that doctors often work under immense pressure and should be able to provide care in a safe and secure environment.
With arrests already made and investigations underway, the medical fraternity is closely watching the case and has warned of nationwide protests if stringent action is not taken against all those involved.
