A troubling event happened at Hedgewar Hospital in Karkardooma, Delhi, where the patient’s relatives are accused of verbally and physically abusing a female doctor. The patient, a 70-year-old man in severe condition, had been experiencing chest pain, breathing difficulty, high blood pressure, and paralysis on one side of his body for three days. The incident happened early on Friday morning when the patient’s family attacked the doctor who was caring for him following his tragic death.
Given the severity of the patient’s condition, the physician promptly recommended an electrocardiogram (ECG) to allow for additional assessment. The patient insisted on visiting a heart specialist and was apparently uncooperative during the surgery. The physician then recommended that the patient be sent to another government-run hospital, the Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, which offers more specialized services. Because of his critical state, an ambulance was sent to transport the patient, who was accompanied by a member of the medical staff.
Sadly, the patient’s health worsened during the ambulance ride, and when he got to GTB Hospital, doctors pronounced him dead. The ECG performed at GTB confirmed the patient’s death because it revealed no evidence of life. The patient’s relatives are said to have taken their sadness and resentment towards the female doctor who had been caring for him to Hedgewar Hospital after the body was returned there.
A junior physician at Hedgewar Hospital said that the patient’s family physically abused and battered the female physician with shoes. The doctor has apparently been disturbed by the incident and has blocked access to her phone. Her discomfort was corroborated by a coworker, who also highlighted the psychological and physical toll the event had placed on her.
The fact that the hospital administration has not yet taken formal action against the offenders raises questions regarding the security of medical personnel in such turbulent circumstances. In India, incidents of violence against medical professionals, especially doctors, are becoming more and more concerning because doctors frequently deal with abuse from distraught or irate patient families.
This example emphasizes how much doctors—especially those who work in high-pressure settings—need improved protection and support. It also emphasizes how crucial it is for medical professionals and patient families to communicate effectively, especially in urgent situations. Healthcare staff are just trying to do their jobs, and their irritation and worry are increased by hospital administrators’ lack of action.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
