Caught on camera: Doctor assaulted by ‘alcoholic’ patient at Telangana Hospital

Caught on Camera: Doctor Assaulted by ‘Alcoholic’ Patient at Telangana Hospital

In a shocking incident that has raised alarms about the safety of healthcare workers, a female intern at Gandhi Hospital in Secunderabad, Telangana, was assaulted by an intoxicated patient. The incident, which occurred on September 11, 2024, was captured on CCTV and has sparked widespread outrage among medical professionals and the community.

The Incident

The assault took place in the casualty ward when the patient, identified as Prakash, a man in his late 40s, became aggressive while being treated for seizures and convulsions. As the intern attended to another patient, Prakash suddenly lunged at her, grabbing her hand and tearing her apron in the process. Witnesses reported that the attack was unprovoked and caught everyone off guard.Fellow hospital staff and medical personnel quickly intervened, overpowering the assailant and ensuring the intern’s safety. The attacker was subsequently apprehended by Special Protection Force (SPF) personnel stationed at the hospital and handed over to the police.

Community and Medical Fraternity Reaction

The incident has sparked outrage within the medical community, particularly among female doctors. The Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA) condemned the attack, calling it alarming and unacceptable. They emphasized the need for immediate and stringent security measures in all hospitals to protect healthcare workers.Jyothsna Tirunagari, a spokesperson for the Telangana Telugu Mahila, expressed her concerns, stating, “Our healthcare warriors, especially female doctors, deserve a safe working environment. We urge the government to take decisive action to ensure their safety.”This incident comes in the wake of heightened concerns for the safety of healthcare workers following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata earlier this year. In response to that incident, junior doctors across Telangana had staged protests demanding better security measures in hospitals.

Hospital’s Response

Gandhi Hospital’s administration has taken swift action in the aftermath of the assault. A complaint was filed with the police, and the assailant was detained for further investigation. The hospital authorities have assured that an FIR will be filed to ensure appropriate legal action is taken against the attacker.In light of the incident, the hospital has announced plans to bolster security measures, including the installation of additional CCTV cameras and increasing the presence of security personnel in high-risk areas, particularly in the casualty department. Dr. Sunil Kumar, Deputy Superintendent of Gandhi Hospital, stated, “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our staff and will take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Conclusion

The assault on the female intern at Gandhi Hospital highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures for healthcare workers, particularly women, in hospitals across India. As the medical community rallies for change, it is crucial for authorities to take decisive action to ensure the safety of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the importance of creating a safe working environment for all