Independent Probe Demanded in Safdarjung Hospital Controversy Over Alleged Assault on Anaesthesia Resident Doctor

Workplace Harassment Controversy at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College

Incident Overview

New Delhi: A workplace harassment incident has emerged at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital, where a senior resident doctor from the Anaesthesia Department was reportedly assaulted by the Head of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) Department within the Operation Theatre.

Response from Resident Doctors

In light of the alleged assault, the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) has called for a thorough and impartial inquiry. The incident sparked significant protests at the hospital, leading senior resident doctors to halt work in the CTVS operation theatres and ICU, insisting on the immediate removal of the Head of Department (HOD).

Concerns Raised by FORDA

In a letter to Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, FORDA condemned the incident. They highlighted that while a formal complaint was lodged and an institutional committee was established, the administration failed to take timely and effective action. The association stated, “A formal complaint was submitted, and an institutional committee was constituted, and certain remedial steps and apologies were reportedly agreed upon between the concerned parties, RDA VMMC-Safdarjung, and the administration. However, the administration has neither ensured meaningful, time-bound redressal nor honoured the agreed terms, severely undermining residents’ faith in the grievance-redressal mechanism.”

Impact on Patient Care

Due to the lack of effective measures and safeguards for doctors’ dignity and safety, the association noted that Anaesthesia resident doctors have withdrawn their services from elective operation theatres and related areas. This withdrawal has resulted in adverse effects on patient care at this major tertiary-care institution.

Broader Implications

The letter from FORDA asserts that this incident is indicative of a wider issue concerning violence, intimidation, and a toxic work culture prevalent in various government medical colleges and hospitals. Despite repeated calls for stronger protections for healthcare workers, the situation persists.

Call for Action

FORDA has demanded an independent and time-bound inquiry into the alleged assault by the CTVS HOD. They are advocating for appropriate disciplinary actions if the charges are substantiated. Furthermore, the association insists that the administration must adhere to agreed resolutions, safeguard complainants and witnesses, and prevent any retaliatory actions against residents who have voiced their concerns.