Demand preservation of CCTV footage, strict action against accused; emergency services continue; hospital admin seeks permanent police deployment
Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jul 20 :
Routine healthcare services at the Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla were partially disrupted till 12 noon on Monady after resident doctors and paramedical staff alleged that they were assaulted by attendants of a patient inside the hospital
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the incident occurred on July 18 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. It triggered strong protests from resident doctors, who sought immediate preservation of CCTV footage, a fair inquiry, and the deployment of round-the-clock police personnel in sensitive areas of the hospital.
Dr Rajat Mishra told KNO that they were on strike upto 12 noon and cancelled it only after MS assured us that they will be given security within next two days.
Mishra who is the Resident Doctors and a first-year PG resident in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, thanked the Station House Officer Baramulla for promptly registering the FIR and taking swift action.
In a joint representation submitted to the Principal, Dean and Medical Superintendent, resident doctors said repeated incidents of assault, intimidation and threats by patients’ attendants have created an atmosphere of fear, making it increasingly difficult for doctors to discharge their duties. They maintained that routine and non-emergency services would remain suspended until adequate security arrangements are put in place, while emergency and life-saving services will continue uninterrupted in the interest of patients.
According to an official communication issued by the Medical Superintendent to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Baramulla, attendants of a woman patient allegedly entered restricted areas, including the Labour Room and the Casualty Medical Officer’s office, and assaulted doctors and paramedical staff, resulting in disruption of hospital functioning and emergency patient care.
The communication stated that police responded promptly after being informed, following which three accused persons were apprehended and an FIR was registered. The hospital administration has now requested deployment of armed police personnel on a 24×7 basis, particularly in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, besides strengthening overall security across the hospital.
In a separate complaint addressed to the Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station Baramulla, the Medical Superintendent sought strict legal action against those allegedly involved, stating that the incident caused chaos, obstructed healthcare delivery and created fear among healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, health activist and former Vice President of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, extended support to the resident doctors and urged the hospital administration to preserve and review CCTV footage to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation.
He also appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the GMC Baramulla administration to conduct a time-bound inquiry, strengthen hospital security, deploy adequate police personnel and initiate strict legal action against those responsible.
“Violence against healthcare workers is unacceptable. Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff must be able to perform their duties without fear or intimidation. Their safety is essential for ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services and maintaining public confidence in the healthcare system,” Dr. Khan said—(KNO)