Junior Doctors Stage Black Badge Protest in Bhubaneswar Following Violent Attack
Junior doctors from PGIMER and Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar took a strong stand on Saturday. They wore black badges and gathered on the hospital premises to protest. Their action came in response to a disturbing incident that occurred just one day earlier.
Assault on Doctor Sparks Outrage
On Friday night, a doctor at Capital Hospital faced a violent attack. According to Biswajit Mallick, president of the Junior Doctors’ Association for both institutions, the trouble started when some youths brought an accident victim from Nimapada to the hospital. A doctor in the Outpatient Department examined the patient and prescribed treatment. However, by the time the medical reports were ready, the OPD hours had ended.
The doctor then advised the patient's attendants to proceed to the emergency department. The relatives refused to listen. An argument quickly escalated. During the confrontation, one relative reportedly snatched a helmet from a hospital staff member. He then used it to beat the doctor and the staffer, causing injuries.
Doctors Demand Immediate Action and Safety Measures
The junior doctors expressed their frustration and fear. "We cannot tolerate attacks on doctors who are on duty," stated Biswajit Mallick. "This kind of behavior from patient attendants is completely unacceptable. The government must take concrete steps to enhance security for doctors within our institution."
Their primary demands are clear:
- Enhanced security for all medical personnel.
- Proper crowd management systems within the hospital.
- Swift legal action against those responsible for the violence.
The association representatives met with hospital and institute authorities on Saturday to formally present their concerns.
Official Response and Police Intervention
Health Secretary Aswathy S visited the hospital on Saturday. She held discussions with the protesting doctors and the hospital administration. "We will take all necessary care to ensure the safety of our doctors is protected," she assured. "We have consulted with the police regarding this matter. Those involved in attacking the doctors will be arrested."
Police acted promptly. Personnel from the Capital police station arrested the main accused in the assault case. Later, doctors and postgraduate students from PGIMER and Capital Hospital met with Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jagmohan Meena. They discussed the assault incident in detail.
Plans for Improved Security Arrangements
DCP Jagmohan Meena addressed the media about planned security upgrades. "The institution currently has 250 private security guards. We will work to supervise them more effectively," he said.
He outlined several specific measures:
- Conducting regular foot patrols around the hospital premises.
- Increasing Police Control Room vehicle patrols in the area.
- Stationing a 112 Emergency Response Support System vehicle near Capital Hospital for rapid response.
"We recently strengthened the Capital Hospital police outpost by deploying additional staff," Meena added. "We will continue efforts to fortify this outpost further in the future."
The protest highlights the ongoing challenges healthcare workers face regarding their personal safety while performing critical duties. The incident has sparked a serious conversation about protecting medical professionals from violence in Odisha's capital.
