September 21: The video shows Dr. Aarti Dandotiya storming off to another room during a heated argument with patient's family.
After the video went viral, several accusations were made stating that the doctor allegedly refused to treat the accident patients.
The video itself does not show whether treatment was refused. According to Ambah BMO Pramod Sharma, the three injured people had already received treatment before the confrontation captured in the clip.
A man can be heard in the background saying, “Jaa kahan rahi ho? Oy! (Hey, where are you going?).”
The patient’s family alleged that Dr. Dandotiya denied treatment to the patient after the video circulated on social media. Ambah Block Medical Officer (BMO) Pramod Sharma clarified that the patients had already received the treatment before the incident.
Sharma later explained that three patients injured in a motorcycle accident had arrived at the hospital two days earlier and had already received treatment from Dr. Dandotiya.
According to Sharma, members of the group began filming the doctor on their mobile phones during the confrontation, after which she walked away from the room.
The video drew a mixed response from the viewers. With some criticizing the doctor for her rash behaviour while others supporting her decision to cut off from a potential heated argument. Senior IPS officer Arun Bothra came out in support of Dr Dandotiya. He took to his X account posting that doctors should not be expected to work in an intimidating environment.
“Doctor’s duty is to treat patients, not to tolerate abuse and intimidation. When attendants aggressively confront a doctor and start filming her, walking away from an escalating situation is not ego. It is self-defence,” he wrote.
“You cannot expect doctors to work under fear of assault and then lecture them about their duty when they try to protect themselves,” the IPS officer further added.
He also highlighted issues related to her safety and stated that “Patient safety matters. But doctor’s safety is a prerequisite for that.”
The American Medical Association has also highlighted guidance for physicians dealing with inappropriate patient or family behaviour. In a JAMA Internal Medicine essay discussed by the AMA, Amy Nicole Cowan, MD, described keeping brief responses ready, such as “We don’t tolerate that kind of speech here,” “Let’s keep it professional,” or “I’m leaving because I don’t feel comfortable.”
She also highlighted the need to educate doctors on how to handle such situations. Roleplaying about how to address unacceptable comments should be a part of hospital hallway learning.
Reference:
1. American Medical Association. “Code of Medical Ethics.” American Medical Association. Accessed September 21, 2026. https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/
(Rh/MF/MSM)