In another incident of assault against doctors, two resident doctors of the BJ Medical College's M & J Institute of Ophthalmology were beaten by a patient’s relative on Friday, March 15, after an argument regarding the date of cataract surgery.
The accused, the son of a patient, became aggressive after being informed that the date of surgery, which was scheduled to be performed on March 16, got postponed.
After assaulting two resident doctors, the accused also attacked the security guard. After getting information, police reached the site and apprehended the accused. An institutional FIR has also been registered in the case.
The incident occurred on March 15 when the patient was called for a pre-operative check-up for his cataract surgery scheduled for March 16. While the patient was called to report at around 7–7.30 a.m., instead he came to the hospital at 11 a.m. By that time, the consultant doctor had checked all the patients, and the list had also been finalized.
Hence, when the patient and his son reached the junior doctor on duty, they were informed about the postponement of the operation. The doctor informed them that a new date for surgery would be given.
However, initially, the patient and his son left the place. The accused came back after some time and questioned the second-year resident doctor on duty to confirm for the last time if the surgery would be conducted on Saturday or not.
The doctor confirmed the postponement of the surgery, and after this, the accused became aggressive and slapped the doctor. The first-year junior doctor who was present at the place immediately came to the aid of the second-year PG medico, and he was also assaulted by the accused. Afterward, the accused also attacked the security guard. The CCTV clip of the incident went viral on social media.
Further, the doctor informed that the director has assured to take proper steps to take care of the situation, and he has asked the resident doctors to submit their representation highlighting the demands in this matter.
Meanwhile, JDA BJMC shared the video of the incident on X (formerly Twitter). The post mentioned, "Second incident today in the M & J Institute of Opthalmology. Wherever you live, you can see how relatives slapped the doctor and assaulted patients".
The Federation of Resident Doctors Associations (FORDA) also raised this issue. FORDA also shared a post on X that pointed out the issue of violence against doctors at BJMC, Ahmedabad, and HAMM (Haji Abdul Majid Memorial Hospital & Research Centre) in Assam.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Komal Bhoi/MSM)
