Three Arrested Following Violent Attack on Doctor at Chamba Government Hospital
In a disturbing incident at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, three individuals have been apprehended by police after a violent altercation involving relatives of a deceased patient. The episode unfolded on Wednesday night and subsequently sparked a significant protest by hospital staff on Thursday, severely disrupting medical services for several hours.
Violent Assault on Medical Personnel
According to reports from the Faculty Association of the Medical College (FAMC) in Chamba, the attackers targeted Dr. Kritika Garg, who was performing her night duty. The assault occurred following the death of a 62-year-old patient who was under treatment at the facility. The association has alleged that the assailants, who appeared to be intoxicated, forcibly entered the minor operation theater where Dr. Garg had sought refuge to escape the aggression.
The violent confrontation did not stop with the doctor. Security personnel and other hospital staff members were also physically assaulted during the chaotic incident, highlighting a severe breach of safety within the medical premises. This attack has reignited longstanding concerns among healthcare workers regarding their security while performing critical duties.
Hospital Staff Protest and Service Disruption
In response to the attack, hospital employees organized a protest on Thursday, blocking the road outside the medical college. Their primary demands included the establishment of a permanent police post on the hospital campus and the implementation of stronger security arrangements to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The protest led to substantial disruptions in hospital operations. The registration counter remained closed, and ultrasound services were halted for an extended period, affecting patient care and routine medical procedures. The agitation underscored the vulnerability of healthcare workers and the urgent need for protective measures in medical institutions.
Administrative Intervention and Legal Action
The protest was eventually withdrawn after Chamba Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Priyanshu Khati intervened, assuring the staff that their security demands would be addressed promptly. Meanwhile, local police have taken legal action based on evidence gathered from CCTV footage of the incident.
An First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, and a case has been lodged under Sections 132 and 121(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The arrests of the three accused mark a step toward accountability, but hospital employees emphasize that this incident is part of a broader pattern of inadequate security that has persisted for a long time.
Staff members have repeatedly called for a dedicated police presence and enhanced security protocols at the medical college, arguing that such measures are essential to safeguard medical professionals and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare workers in volatile situations and the critical importance of maintaining a secure environment in medical facilities.
