Doctors’ associations across Tamil Nadu initiated a protest on Thursday following an attack on an oncologist at the Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital. The doctor was allegedly stabbed seven times with a sharp knife by the son of a cancer patient on Wednesday. Following this, several thousands doctors have took to the protest affecting services at government and certain private hospitals.
The Coimbatore chapter of Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association declared a halt on surgeries, outpatient services and other non-emergency medical treatments in the district on Thursday. In other regions, the protest has affected outpatient services leaving only emergency departments operational. Patients visiting outpatient departments experienced delays due to the protest.
The protesters have been demanding strict action against the attacker under the Hospital Protection Act (HPA). They also demanded for enhanced police security in hospitals.
Expressing concern, Dr. Suvrankar Datta from AIIMS Delhi stated, "The attacks on doctors that are happening in India, are increasing.... As FAIMA (Federation of All India Medical Association), we are in complete support with Tamil Nadu RDA (Resident Doctors' Association), they had called for a strike and we are in full support with that. We have got information that they are having a talk with govt and if it turned out to be fruitful, the strike might be called off..."
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Earlier, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian reported that Chief Minister MK Stalin personally called the injured doctor, Dr. Balaji, to check on his health and assured full support from the state government.
After the attack, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s car was briefly blocked by doctors and medical staff outside the hospital. Following discussions with the doctors' associations, Health Minister Ma Subramanian announced that a police outpost has been established at the hospital.