A shocking incident unfolded late Tuesday night at MY Hospital’s Chacha Nehru pediatric wing in Indore when an altercation over the non-availability of a bed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) escalated into a violent clash. Seven doctors were injured as a group of armed men, allegedly called by a patient’s relatives, stormed into the hospital and assaulted the healthcare staff.
According to reports, the incident took place around 11 p.m. when a family, whose child was receiving treatment in the PICU, requested an additional bed. Due to the unavailability of any vacant bed, the doctors on duty informed the family that no extra bed could be arranged. This led to a heated confrontation, with the relatives verbally abusing the healthcare workers and even threatening them with violence.
In a shocking escalation, the patient’s kin called in a group of around a dozen armed men who forcefully entered the pediatric wing and began vandalizing the hospital premises. The attackers reportedly assaulted the doctors, leaving seven of them injured before the situation could be brought under control. The ruckus drew immediate attention, prompting hospital staff to call the police, who arrived in time to prevent the situation from further deteriorating.
Police Investigation Underway
The medical staff of MY Hospital lodged a formal complaint with the hospital superintendent, detailing the violent incident. They have demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those involved in the attack. The police have taken the matter seriously and have registered a case against the patient’s relatives and others who participated in the violence.
The police have begun investigating the incident, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the assault. Preliminary findings suggest that the patient’s family had summoned the armed men out of frustration over the non-availability of a bed in the crowded PICU.
Junior Doctors Association Issues Ultimatum
In the aftermath of the attack, the Junior Doctors Association (JDA) has expressed its outrage and concern over the recurring incidents of violence against healthcare workers. The JDA has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the administration of MY Hospital and MGM Medical College, demanding immediate action to improve security measures and ensure the safety of healthcare professionals.
“Working in an insecure environment, where doctors constantly fear being attacked, is unacceptable,” the JDA stated in its official notice, emphasizing the urgency for improved workplace safety. The association has warned that if adequate security measures are not implemented within the stipulated time frame, they will resort to a strike to protest the lack of protection for healthcare workers.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and condemnation among medical professionals, highlighting the need for stringent security protocols in hospitals to protect healthcare workers from violent attacks. Videos of the attack have surfaced on social media, drawing public outrage and raising questions about the safety of doctors, particularly those working in emergency and critical care settings.
A Call for Better Protection
Tuesday night’s violent episode at MY Hospital has once again underscored the challenges faced by healthcare workers in India, who are often left vulnerable in high-pressure situations. Medical professionals have called for strict legal measures against the perpetrators and increased security to prevent such incidents in the future. The attack has also prompted hospital authorities and law enforcement to review existing security arrangements and make necessary improvements to ensure a safer working environment for doctors and other healthcare personnel.
The incident has also reignited discussions around healthcare infrastructure, particularly in government hospitals that are often overwhelmed by patient demand and face a shortage of critical care facilities. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice and that similar incidents are prevented in the future.