Chennai Doctor Attack: In the aftermath of a brutal knife attack on an oncologist at Chennai's Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital, political leaders across Tamil Nadu have condemned the incident and highlighted concerns about the state’s law and order situation. On Wednesday, AIADMK leaders C Vijayabaskar and D Jayakumar visited the injured doctor, Balaji, in the hospital, voicing their apprehension about the safety of medical professionals in Tamil Nadu.
After meeting with the victim, AIADMK leader D Jayakumar commented, "Tamil Nadu is facing its worst law and order situation. Every day, there are incidents of murder and robbery. Even doctors who dedicate themselves to saving lives are not safe here. Our leader has instructed us to check on Balaji’s health. How can an outsider enter a hospital armed with a knife? It is the government’s duty to protect citizens’ lives."
PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss also expressed disappointment, saying, It's a very unfortunate incident. This has been repeated demand from the doctors that they need protection. They are saving lives but their lives are not protected. We have some laws that were recently made but they are not being enforced..."
BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan added her concerns, stating, "I pray for the speedy recovery of the doctor. Before going to any blame game, I want to ensure the protection of the doctors. The doctor fraternity should be protected. This is not the first incident, and such incidents have repeatedly happened in Tamil Nadu. Few days ago, another doctor was assaulted. So, there is no protection for doctors in Tamil Nadu."
Chennai Doctors Assault
On Wednesday, 25-year-old Vignesh, allegedly upset over the treatment his mother received, attacked Dr. Balaji, an associate professor and oncologist at the hospital. Vignesh reportedly stabbed the doctor seven times, targeting his neck, chest, and stomach.
Hospital officials said the doctor sustained serious injuries, with significant blood loss, exacerbated by his pre-existing heart condition. Hospital staff apprehended the assailant on the spot and handed him over to the police for questioning.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian assured that the injured doctor is receiving appropriate medical care and stated, “We are providing theb est possible treatment. The doctor has formally requested to seek treatment elsewhere. We also offer advanced cancer treatment here.”
Doctors Call Off Strike
Following the attack, government doctors across the state announced a strike to protest the lack of safety measures.
Health Minister Subramanian held talks with the striking doctors to address their concerns and discuss enhanced security measures. Later, TN Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin also spoke to the doctors following which they called off the strike.
Meanwhile, Indian Medical Association condemned the stabbing of an government doctor in Chennai. In a letter, IMA said, "No amount of superficial damage control exercises by Governments is going to make doctors work without fear in this country. Strong deterrent legislation, exemplary punishments and proactive safety measures are required now and here. All Governments have been put on notice with this heinous crime. The medical profession of the country is deeply disturbed and is skeptical of the remedial measures on this ever-recurring violence. Only a comprehensive overhaul of the security atmosphere in the hospitals could restore the confidence of doctors. The nation owes this to its doctors."