Bengal: Doctors, Nurses Begin Protest After 'Attack' After Patient's Death At Sagar Medical College
Junior doctors in Kolkata have announced a strike over alleged assault by a patient's family following the death of a woman from respiratory issues.
Junior doctors at the state-run Sagar Dutta Medical College and Hospital in Kamarhati, near Kolkata, began a strike on Friday night after allegedly being assaulted by the family of a patient who passed away during treatment. According to a junior doctor, the patient, a middle-aged woman suffering from severe respiratory issues, was in critical condition when she was admitted. After her death, a group of around 20 individuals stormed the hospital, attacking nurses and junior doctors on duty.
“We have repeatedly called for increased security in both the outpatient department and hospital wards, but this incident highlights the administration’s failure to address our safety concerns. Until our demands for adequate security are met, we will continue the cease-work protest,” the doctor stated. He further claimed that six individuals, including nurses, were injured in the assault.
Despite adequate Police and RAF presence, patient's relatives attacked doctors and healthcare workers at Sagar Dutta Medical College and hospital yesterday. The Home and Health Ministries can't evade responsibility.
— Samir Pal (@palsamir60) September 28, 2024
Video credit:ABPANANDA#RGKarProtest#SDMCH #MedTwitter pic.twitter.com/1nCJ2VqUKe
What Happened At Sagar Dutta Medical College And Hospital?
A woman, who had been suffering from a fever for 5 days, was brought to Sagar Dutta Medical College And Hospital. According to the report given by the patient's family, the woman had dengue. Although many efforts were made to admit the woman to the hospital, she could not be saved. This angered the patient's friends and relatives who created a ruckus at the hospital and alleged medical negligence.
They then allegedly attacked the staffers. Several hospital staffers, including doctors, were injured in the incident. Even a policeman was injured while trying to calm the tension.
The hospital authorities have denied the allegations of medical negligence. A woman with fever of 5 days was brought to the hospital. According to the report given by the patient's family, the woman had dengue. Although efforts were made to treat the woman to the hospital, she could not be saved, the authorities said.
Yet another mob attack on doctors in College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Medical College and hospital.
— purpleready (@epicnephrin_e) September 27, 2024
Today (27/09/2024)at around 3pm a 30years old Female patient was admitted to Female Medicine Ward of College Of Medicine And Sagore Dutta Hospital, with Fever of unknown… pic.twitter.com/RfyNiIZy8h
A senior official from the Barrackpore police commissionerate confirmed that the hospital had filed a complaint, and an investigation is underway. In response to the incident, security at the hospital has been strengthened, and a police patrol has been deployed near the main gate.
Kinjal Nanda, a member of the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum, added, "Despite our repeated calls for improved safety measures, the administration has not acted. We will decide on our next steps by tomorrow. We do not want a repeat of the RG Kar situation."
(With inputs from ABP Ananda and PTI.)
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