Violence Against Medical Professionals at PMCH

Incident Overview

In a disturbing incident at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), a female junior doctor and her colleagues faced physical assault and verbal abuse from the relatives of a deceased patient. This confrontation arose after the medical staff informed the family about the patient’s death.

Previous Assaults on Medical Staff

Just days prior, another on-duty doctor was reportedly punched during a disagreement regarding a blood sample investigation. These incidents have raised serious concerns regarding the safety of healthcare professionals working in the hospital.

Junior Doctors’ Strike

In reaction to the ongoing violence against doctors, the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) at PMCH has initiated a strike, halting all medical services, including Emergency Services, Outpatient Departments (OPD), Inpatient Services (IPD), and all elective and emergency Operation Theatres (OT).

Details of the Triggering Incident

The incident that led to the JDA’s strike occurred on December 3, following the death of a 70-year-old patient with a history of brain hemorrhage and hypertension. After the patient passed away, his relatives accused the doctors of negligence. The deceased’s son claimed that his father’s condition had deteriorated and that a doctor refused to recheck the body when requested.

Conflicting Accounts of the Incident

While the family accused the medical staff of negligence, the doctors contended that they had already informed the relatives of the patient’s critical state. The son of the deceased alleged that the doctors attacked them with helmets, sticks, and rods, whereas the doctors asserted that the relatives instigated the abuse and violence.

Response from the Medical Professionals

Dr. Ritika, a junior doctor at PMCH, emphasized that the medical team had communicated the low chances of survival to the family. Following the patient’s death, a female attendant verbally abused an intern, leading to further conflict with the resident doctor.

Condemnation by the Junior Doctors’ Association

The JDA condemned the attack, stating that such incidents highlight a growing threat to the safety and dignity of healthcare professionals. They criticized the hospital administration for failing to provide a secure working environment and noted that security personnel did not intervene during the incident.

Demands for Improved Security Measures

In light of the violence, the JDA has announced an indefinite strike until their demands are addressed. Their requests include the implementation of comprehensive security measures throughout PMCH, mandatory filing of Institutional FIRs for violent incidents against healthcare personnel, and the enforcement of stricter legal provisions against offenders.

Impact on Patients

The strike has resulted in significant inconvenience for patients, who are now seeking treatment at other hospitals. One patient expressed frustration over the lack of available medical services at PMCH during this critical time.

Conclusion

The ongoing strike and previous incidents underscore the urgent need for improved safety protocols within healthcare facilities to protect medical staff and ensure the delivery of patient care in a secure environment.