Doctor manhandled at Patiala Hospital OPD

Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 28

In yet another incident of violence against doctors, a senior medic of Government Rajindra Hospital was allegedly manhandled by a patient in the Out Patient Department (OPD) today.

Ashish Bhagat, a senior doctor of the medicine department, was allegedly pushed and dragged by a patient at his OPD room after his duty hours.

The incident reportedly took place when the doctor was planning out the treatment of indoor patients with junior residents. The patient allegedly went inside the doctor’s room and asked him to review his medical report. When the patient was told to visit the next day as the OPD hours were over, he got angry and tried to attack the doctor with a stool thrice. The doctor, somehow, escaped the attack.

Thereafter, the doctor was allegedly roughed up by the patient until the junior residents overpowered him. The patient tried to flee but junior doctors caught him.

Soon after the incident, the doctors gave a complaint to the Medical Superintendent. They have also lodged a police complaint in this connection. Dr Bhagat said, “We were discussing the case history and treatment of patients while he thought that we were just chit-chatting.”

He said, “It is very unfortunate that the incident happened. I am worried for junior staff, who perform their duties at the Emergency, as chances of attacks are much higher there.”

The Punjab State Medical & Dental Association (PSMDTA) condemned the attack and demanded police action against the patient.

Dr Diwan Bhullar, general secretary, PSMDTA, said, “We strongly condemn the incident and demand that institutional FIR must be lodged against the patient.” He said the doctors would hold a protest if a strict action was not taken in the case.

Last month, a junior resident was attacked in the Emergency ward, which had led to massive protests at the hospital.