Bhopal, India — A violent incident involving the family of a deceased patient at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal resulted in injuries to three doctors, escalating security concerns among medical staff. The altercation occurred shortly after the death of a patient in the intensive care unit, leading to chaotic scenes that unfolded during the early hours.
Police reports indicate that Dolly Bai, who was under intensive care, passed away around 1 a.m., triggering an aggressive response from her relatives and others present. The grief-stricken family members, along with additional bystanders, quickly turned violent, assaulting the on-duty doctors.
The incident intensified as armed attackers joined the aggressors, igniting more tension and fear across the hospital premises. At the time, more than ten doctors were present in the ICU, all of whom faced the wrath of the mob, resulting in physical injuries and a pervading sense of vulnerability among the hospital’s staff.
Social media captured the severity of the assault, with footage circulating widely, prompting public outrage and further media scrutiny. The dean of Gandhi Medical College, RP Kaushal, promptly reported the event to the local Kohfiza police station, seeking swift action against the perpetrators.
Police are currently working to identify all individuals involved in the attack, using video evidence to guide their inquiries. While none of the doctors sustained grievous injuries, the psychological impact has been substantial, with many calling for increased security measures.
In response to the attack, the affected doctors penned a letter to the Chief Medical Officer highlighting the urgent need for enhanced protection, underscoring that the hospital staff had been left deeply traumatized by the violent acts.
Kuldeep Gupta, president of the Junior Doctors’ Association (JUDA), condemned the assault, labeling it a regrettable but not isolated incident. He cited recent disturbances, including the vandalism of a female doctor’s car and suspicious activities around the hospital vicinity at night. Despite repeated requests for improved security, Gupta emphasized that little had been done to prevent such incidents from recurring.
This episode at Hamidia Hospital underscores a growing concern about the safety of healthcare providers in settings prone to high emotions and stresses, spotlighting the crucial need for robust security systems in medical facilities nationwide. The medical community and hospital administration continue to grapple with these challenges, seeking ways to safeguard their personnel amid increasing threats to their working environment.