MUMBAI: A female resident doctor at the BMC-run LTMG Hospital in Sion, central Mumbai, was manhandled by a drunk patient who visited the hospital’s emergency room with some injuries in the early hours of Sunday, said representatives of the Maharashtra state Association of Resident Doctors (MARD).
A police officer from the Sion police station confirmed the incident and said the police are in the process of collecting more details.
“A man, along with a few others, came to the hospital. He had an injury that needed stitches,” said the officer. After stitching, the doctor tried to remove some cotton that remained stuck to the injury site.
“The patient perhaps felt some pain and pushed the doctor. We are trying to get more information,” he added.
The police will register a case against the patient under the state’s Prevention of Violence against Medicare Service Person Act.
MARD representative Dr Akshay More posted about the incident earlier on Sunday.
“There has been an incidence of violence in Sion Hospital that occurred early this morning involving one of the on-call residents in the ward.:
A group of 5-6 intoxicated patient attendants threatened and attempted to physically assault her. She also sustained injuries while defending herself,” he added further.
It is learnt that the patient and his friends reportedly threw the blood-stained cotton gauze at the doctor and tried to scratch her. “This incident highlights a significant security failure. Our doctor’s safety is non-negotiable. This situation requires immediate attention and implementation of strict security measures in all hospitals,” said MARD officials.
Last week, the Sion MARD representatives also mentioned about a male resident who was chased by two men around 2 am when he was walking back from work to the hostel, which is not located within the campus.
The resident doctors in all public medical schools are on strike to protest against the rape and murder of a female doctor in R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
The striking doctors are only attending to emergency duty and are not available for OPD or lab collection work or any non-emergency duty.
Their strike started on April 13 and, three days later, they were also joined by interns and bond-serving resident doctors. BMC’s medical teachers, who struck work on Saturday are likely to take a call today on their further participation.