SSKM hospital faces Mamata Banerjee’s wrath after docs clash with patient’s family

They accused junior doctors of negligence, claiming that no one was answering their questions. Soon, around 40 people gathered on the hospital premises, and a scuffle broke out between them and some junior doctors.

Finally, the police was called and three people were arrested. Junior doctors later went on protest. One doctor was injured.

Authorities were in for a surpise when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself reached the premises on Tuesday afternoon.

“Changramo hocche?” she asked, lambasting the management. “Every patient must get primary treatment before reports confirm anything. Relatives of patients must be carefully treated, and doctors should be more patient while interacting with them. Why should they behave badly? They should understand the situation and act accordingly,” she said.

The Trinamool Congress president added that she was not at all satisfied by what had been happening in government hospitals over the past few days.

The CM, who also holds the health portfolio, directed the authorities to increase manpower. Sources said she had also warned the management that “doctors should never be seen with sticks in the future.”

Ashok Ram (35) was admitted to SSKM Hospital at around 8.30 pm on Sunday.

He was diagnosed with fever, but at around 11.30 pm, his family was informed that he had passed away. Family members claimed that when they asked doctors about what caused his death, they were not given answers.

Later, a mob of around 40 locals gathered at the hospital and clashed with the junior doctors.

Glass bottles and stones were thrown by both sides, according to witnesses. Neighbours of the deceased claimed that junior doctors wielding hockey sticks tried to usher them out. Finally, the police was called.

Sanjay Das alias Sanju, Ram Mohan Roy alias Dulu and Suvankar Das alias Bunty, all residents of Bijoy Bose Road, were booked under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 114 (abettor present when offence is committed), 427 (mischief causing damage ), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty) of the Indian Penal Code.

Both parties blamed each other for starting the brawl. However, a police source said, “Family members barged into the ward and assaulted the doctor on duty. In retaliation, junior doctors beat up family members.”

Hospital sources later confirmed that Ram died of ‘aspiration pneumonia’, but refused to comment on the situation.

“My brother will never come back. Since the time we got him admitted in SSKM, there was not one staff member who spoke to us nicely. They were confused about the treatment. When I asked them to act fast, they said, ‘You all are not the only family that has come with a patient’,” said Radha, sister of the deceased.

Her mother has been unconscious since her son’s death.

Junior doctors continued their protest even after the chief minister left.

Sujon Ghosh from the Junior Doctors Unity told The Indian Express, “We were attacked by 40 people, even the police didn’t protect us. It was then that a few of the interns got them out of the hospital using sticks. They were only used for self-defence.”

Ghosh said they would continue their agitation till they get a written assurance that stern action will be taken against the mob. “Every time there is a clash, we see touts, many of whom are activists from the ruling party, getting involved,” said a junior doctor.

Senior heath officials held several meetings to communicate with the junior doctors, who continued their protest, demanding tighter security.