Kolkata Hospital ENT Doctors Launch Emergency Ward Strike Following Alleged Assault
Postgraduate trainees (PGTs) in the ENT department at NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata have declared a cease-work in the emergency ward. This drastic action comes in response to an alleged security breach and physical assault that occurred in the early hours of Monday, March 23.
Incident Details: A Medical Emergency Turns Violent
The troubling episode reportedly began around 2:30 am when a three-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital for coin ingestion. According to a formal complaint submitted to the Medical Superintendent and Vice-Principal (MSVP), doctors had scheduled surgery for 3 am. They advised the child's father that she must remain "nil per mouth" for six hours to ensure safety under general anesthesia.
However, the situation quickly deteriorated. The father allegedly became "extremely arrogant" and demanded an immediate procedure, ignoring medical explanations about potential complications. He reportedly threatened the hospital staff, setting the stage for further escalation.
Escalation and Alleged Assault
Approximately two hours later, the patient's family allegedly returned with a group of six to seven women who verbally abused the medical staff. More alarmingly, around 15 male attendants were accused of physically assaulting the on-duty security guard. The agitating doctors claim that the guard's clothes were torn during the altercation.
Compounding the crisis, the doctors allege that police officers present at the scene failed to intervene effectively. Instead, they reportedly asked the assaulted security guard to apologize to the aggressors, further fueling the medical staff's outrage.
Doctors' Demands and Current Status
In response to these events, the ENT residents have taken a firm stand. They have refused to work in the emergency ward until strict action is taken against those responsible for the alleged assault and security breach. This strike highlights growing concerns about violence against healthcare workers and the adequacy of security measures in medical facilities.
The incident underscores the challenging environment faced by medical professionals, particularly during emergencies, and raises critical questions about patient family behavior and institutional support for hospital staff.
