Doctor ‘slaps 77-year-old, drags him on floor’ at Madhya Pradesh hospital, sacked after video goes viral

Joshi had brought his ailing wife to the hospital. He said they were waiting in line, along with several others, when the doctor, identified as Rajesh Mishra, confronted them.

According to Joshi, the doctor asked them why they were in line, and when they tried to explain, the doctor allegedly slapped him. The doctor then dragged him towards the police outpost inside the hospital premises.

“The doctor kicked me and dragged me to the chowki. He slapped me and broke my glasses. He also tore my slip and threatened to kill me. My wife was also assaulted,” Joshi told reporters.

The doctor claimed the man behaved inappropriately. “I was looking after patients and suddenly, this old man began abusing a woman who was standing in line. He also misbehaved with hospital attendants. He then held my hand and slapped me when I asked him to stand in line,” Mishra said.

Chhatarpur district medical authorities had initially repeated the doctor’s claim. However, after the video went viral, a departmental inquiry was ordered and a showcause notice was issued to the doctor.

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla has also taken note of the incident and said that the doctor was terminated from services, along with others in the hospital, including Dr G L Ahirwar, the in-charge civil surgeon and chief hospital superintendent.

Police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident, but no arrests have been made so far.

“The government considers sensitive, respectful, and dignified treatment of patients as a fundamental condition of healthcare services. Such incidents will not be tolerated, and immediate action has been ordered,” Deputy CM Shukla said.