PGI Chandigarh’s junior resident doc ‘assaulted’ by patient’s attendants, FIR registered

Her relatives, about 4-5 in number, came at around 12.20 pm and started beating the junior resident, the FIR claimed. Further, the uncle held the doctor’s collar and hand and started to drag him outside the NNN ICU. The mother slapped him multiple times and kicked him, and the junior resident escaped from them after 10 minutes and went inside the ICU, according to the FIR.

Upon learning of the incident, representatives of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) reached the site to support the assaulted doctor. An official complaint was promptly lodged, with an FIR registered within hours against those responsible. The matter was brought to the attention of Vivek Lal, director, PGIMER.

A detailed account of the incident was shared, and the PGIMER Director assured that firm and swift action would be taken against the culprits, with a personal commitment to follow up until justice is served.

“This shocking act of violence not only endangers the safety of healthcare professionals but also disrupts the sanctity of a caregiving environment meant to serve patients with dedication and care,” the ARD said, in a statement.

Dr Vishnu Jinja, president of ARD, strongly condemned the incident and proposed multiple security enhancements across the institute. “This kind of violence cannot and will not be tolerated in a healthcare setup. Doctors are here to heal, not to be hurt. The safety of every healthcare worker is non-negotiable,” said Jinja. The accused should get the maximum punishment as per the law, and strict law enforcement ensured, he added.

Meanwhile, the PGIMER administration has asked the hospital security department to ensure a comprehensive investigation and implement preventive protocols to avoid the recurrence of such incidents, added ARD president.

“The need of the hour is an increase in security guards and cameras, as this is an issue in all hospitals, and while PGIMER has a good security system, there is scope for improvement,” Jinja said.

“The demands of ARD include a strict entry pass, with only one attendant allowed with a patient, a password or fingerprint lock for the duty rooms of doctors, adequate lighting during night and no black zones on campus. The ARD reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection and dignity of healthcare professionals,” the association president added.