Bidar: Five youths have been arrested after allegedly assaulting a doctor on duty at Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences (BRIMS) on Thursday night, accusing him of negligence in treatment. The incident triggered protests by junior doctors who demanded stronger security measures within the hospital premises.
The injured doctor, Dr Tukaram Machinder, is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital after sustaining injuries in the attack.
Assault allegedly followed treatment dispute
According to police officials, the arrested accused have been identified as Aditya Krishnaji Gummal (21) from Tajlapur village in Bidar taluk, Vinod Basavaraj Koli (26) from Chambol village, Govind Keshavrao Chavan (28) from Benakanalli village, Mahadev Chatrabhuj Chavan (23), and Anil Dilip Kachhave (25) from Ahmedpur in Maharashtra’s Latur district.
Police said efforts are underway to trace and arrest a few more persons allegedly involved in the assault.
The New Town Police Station registered a case based on a complaint filed by Dr Tukaram Machinder.
Disagreement over MLC recommendation led to incident
Police said the incident began after Vijay Singh Tukaram Chavan of Benakanalli village visited the hospital for treatment after suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Dr Machinder reportedly examined the patient, administered primary treatment and referred him for a scan.
However, the doctor in the scanning section allegedly asked the patient’s companions to obtain a Medico-Legal Case (MLC) recommendation from the treating doctor before proceeding further.
When the group approached Dr Machinder again, he reportedly maintained that an MLC notation was not necessary since the injury appeared to be minor.
Officials said the youths allegedly became angry over the matter and accused the doctor of not providing proper assistance.
Police further stated that the accused were allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Doctor recounts attack
Dr Tukaram Machinder said he attempted to explain to the group that an MLC recommendation was unnecessary in the particular case.
He alleged that the group became aggressive and began using abusive language before physically attacking him.
“I had referred the injured youth for scanning after providing primary treatment. Despite explaining the situation, they misbehaved and later assaulted me. The incident has deeply disturbed me,” he said.
Junior doctors stage protest
Following the incident, junior doctors at BRIMS organised a protest on Friday condemning the assault and demanding stronger security arrangements for medical staff.
The doctors stressed that attacks on healthcare workers create fear among professionals and could affect hospital functioning.
They urged authorities to take strict action against the accused and ensure safety measures for doctors and hospital staff.
Hospital administration seeks enhanced security
BRIMS Director Dr Shantala Koujalagi visited the protest venue and assured doctors that measures would be initiated to strengthen security at the institution.
She said letters would be sent to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police seeking enhanced security arrangements at the hospital.
She also stated that violence against medical professionals would not be tolerated and promised necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in future.
The incident has once again raised concerns regarding the safety of healthcare workers and the increasing instances of attacks on doctors in hospitals.