Safdarjung Hospital CTVS Head Accused of Assaulting Anaesthesia Resident as Doctors Initiate Mass Work Boycott

Controversy at Safdarjung Hospital

Incident of Alleged Assault

New Delhi: A significant controversy has emerged at Safdarjung Hospital following allegations that a senior resident doctor from the Anaesthesia Department was physically assaulted by the Head of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) Department within the Operation Theatre. In response to this incident of alleged workplace violence, senior resident doctors at the hospital initiated a mass work boycott.

Protests and Demands

The protesting doctors are calling for the immediate removal of the Head of the Department (HoD) and have ceased all activities in the CTVS operation theatres and ICU until appropriate action is taken. The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Safdarjung Hospital has voiced its strong condemnation of the incident, expressing deep concern and support for the alleged victim. They demand prompt action against the CTVS Head.

Formal Letter and Key Demands

In a formal letter addressed to the Director of Safdarjung Hospital, the RDA announced that all senior and postgraduate resident doctors would collectively boycott duties in the CTVS, including operation theatres and ICU. They have made it clear that they will not resume work until their primary demands are met, which include:

– Immediate removal of the CTVS HoD from active duties and suspension of surgical privileges pending further action.
– Establishment of an impartial Institutional Enquiry Committee to investigate the incident and implement disciplinary measures based on the findings.
– A mandatory psychiatric evaluation of the involved doctor, noting past behavior and safety concerns raised by residents.

The RDA has warned that should their demands go unaddressed, they will escalate the issue further to ensure justice and accountability, as well as to maintain a safe working environment for all resident doctors. Their letter emphasized the urgency of resolving this matter to restore safety for all staff.

Support from Medical Associations

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has also expressed solidarity with the resident doctor. In a statement shared on their official ‘X’ handle, FAIMA reiterated the seriousness of the allegations and demanded strict action against the HoD.

Clarification from a Colleague

In light of the controversy, a doctor responded to FAIMA’s post, clarifying that the incident reportedly occurred in the CTVS ICU rather than the Operation Theatre. He asserted that the resident doctor had exhibited negligence while treating a critically ill child, which escalated tensions between the doctors. The doctor emphasized that the situation could have been avoided and highlighted the importance of mentioning the current condition of the child, who reportedly suffered cardiac arrest as a result of the alleged negligence.

He further claimed that no evidence of physical assault has been substantiated and insisted that the context surrounding the incident must be included for fairness and transparency. Additionally, he noted that none of the individuals who supported the RDA letter had checked on the child, who remains in critical condition.

Conclusion

As the situation unfolds, both the hospital administration and the involved parties face pressure to address the claims and ensure a safe working environment for all healthcare professionals at Safdarjung Hospital.