A night of medical emergency turned into a scene of chaos and vandalism at Mumbai's Cooper Hospital this past Wednesday, as grieving relatives of a deceased patient unleashed their fury on the emergency department.
Night of Fear and Violence
Ismat (name changed) had rushed her sister to the hospital late on Wednesday night due to severe abdominal pain. Around 11 PM, the atmosphere turned terrifying. A large mob, relatives of another patient, began screaming at the staff, forcing Ismat to grab her sister's hand and flee outside in fear. The angry group eventually broke windows at the entrance and the registration counter.
The violence erupted after a 31-year-old woman, identified as Sabiya Shaikh from Junaid Nagar, was declared dead on arrival. "The patient was taken to a room inside, and the doors were locked. Soon, the doctors told the family she passed. A few from the family who were here broke down, then started shouting and called more people," recounted Ismat, who witnessed medical staff trying unsuccessfully to pacify the crowd.
Family's Disbelief Leads to Ayurvedic Visit
In a striking display of denial, the family, according to the Juhu police, took the deceased's body from the hospital to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner, hoping for a different outcome. Only after the death was confirmed there did they return to Cooper Hospital to allow for a post-mortem examination.
Police have clarified that while the situation was volatile, no doctors or medical staff were physically harmed. They have registered a case against the woman's husband, Hanif Shaikh, an auto-rickshaw driver, and some family members for rioting and unlawful assembly. "No arrest was made. He was served a notice and allowed to go to perform the last rites of his wife," a police officer stated.
Doctors Sympathize But Condemn Violence
Hospital authorities downplayed the scale of the incident, terming it "minor" since no one was attacked. A medical officer expressed a mixed sentiment, stating, "We also sympathise with the kin in such incidents, but resorting to violence brings more trouble in an already difficult time for the families themselves."
This incident adds to the growing concerns over safety in Maharashtra's hospitals. Just last month, three doctors were attacked in a separate case, leading to protests demanding the permanent deployment of the Maharashtra Security Forces (MSF) at medical facilities. This enhanced security measure is expected to be implemented after the ongoing elections.
