Family Members Allegedly Attack Staff, Damage Equipment at Government Central Hospital in Maharashtra
Chaos broke out at the Government Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar after the death of a 45-year-old patient allegedly triggered violence inside the medical facility, leading to vandalism, assault on hospital staff, and a temporary “stop work” protest by doctors and healthcare workers.
According to reports, the patient, who was suffering from a serious liver-related illness, was admitted to the government-run hospital on Wednesday night. However, he reportedly died nearly two hours after being admitted for treatment.
Soon after hospital authorities informed the family about the death, tensions escalated inside the ward. Relatives of the deceased allegedly entered the treatment area, damaged medical equipment, and clashed with doctors, nurses, and security personnel.
Viral Video Shows Emotional Outburst Inside Hospital Ward
A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, allegedly shows the deceased patient’s wife and son vandalising equipment inside the ward in a fit of anger and grief.
“My father is gone. My father is dead,” the son was heard shouting in the footage. Another voice in the background allegedly urged the crowd to “smash everything” and “not leave anything intact.”
A hospital security guard was also seen attempting to control the situation and calm the family members. “Please calm down. Don’t take the law into your own hands,” the guard reportedly said while trying to prevent further damage and violence.
Family Alleges Medical Negligence, Delayed Treatment
The deceased patient’s wife accused hospital staff of negligence and questioned the treatment provided to her husband. The family also raised concerns over an alleged delay in emergency medical response by doctors.
However, hospital authorities denied the allegations and maintained that the patient was already in a critical condition when he was brought to the hospital.
Hospital Dean Says Patient Was Critically Ill
Reacting to the incident, Dr. Manohar Bansode said the patient had multiple organ complications and was in a serious condition at the time of admission.
“The patient’s organs, including the liver and kidneys, were not functioning properly. He was an alcoholic and was already serious when admitted. If he had been shifted elsewhere, there was a possibility of his dying on the way. Our doctors made every possible effort to save him, but unfortunately, he could not survive,” he said.
The dean further condemned the violence inside the hospital and said that attacks on healthcare workers cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Doctors Protest Against Attack on Healthcare Workers
Following the violence, doctors and hospital staff launched a “stop work” agitation demanding stronger security arrangements and strict action against those involved in the attack.
Healthcare workers expressed concern over increasing incidents of violence against medical professionals and damage to hospital property during emotionally charged situations.
The protest briefly created anxiety among patients and visitors, after which police personnel were deployed at the hospital premises to maintain law and order.
Police Assure Strict Action, Protest Withdrawn
Later, senior police officials and mayor Ashwini Nikam visited the hospital and held discussions with the protesting staff members.
Police reportedly assured the hospital administration that strict legal action would be taken against the accused individuals. Following the assurance and registration of a police case, the hospital administration withdrew the protest.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the safety of healthcare workers in government hospitals and the growing instances of violence against medical staff across India.
