Birbhum: A nurse at the Ilambazar Health Centre in Birbhum, West Bengal, was allegedly molested by a patient while on duty, further fueling public outcry over safety concerns in state-run hospitals. This disturbing incident occurred on Saturday night, as the state government and police continue to face backlash for their handling of the recent horrific rape and murder at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College.
According to reports, the accused was receiving treatment at the health centre when he allegedly touched the nurse inappropriately as she was administering saline. The nurse, who was performing her duties in the emergency department, described the harrowing experience, stating that the male patient misbehaved with her, touching her inappropriately in her private parts while she was simply following the doctor’s instructions. The patient also verbally abused her, adding to the trauma of the incident.
The nurse expressed her frustration and concern over the lack of security at the health centre, questioning how a patient could dare to commit such an act in the presence of his family members, who reportedly did nothing to intervene. “Such incidents occur due to a lack of security,” she said. “Otherwise, how can a patient dare to do such a thing to someone on duty in the presence of his family members who do nothing to stop him?”
The incident caused significant tension within the health centre, prompting hospital authorities to call the police. The officers responded swiftly and arrested the accused patient.
This incident comes on the heels of the gruesome discovery of a postgraduate trainee doctor’s body in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The brutal rape and murder have ignited widespread outrage across the state, with the BJP leading the charge in demanding justice and sharply criticising the ruling Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for their perceived inaction.
In the aftermath of the RG Kar incident, serious questions have been raised about hospital security and the accused Sanjoy Roy’s ability to access every corner of the state-run facility at all hours. Reports suggest that Roy was involved in illegal activities within the hospital, including arranging hospital beds and other services for patients in exchange for money.
The two incidents have cast a harsh spotlight on the safety of healthcare workers and the need for stricter security measures in hospitals across West Bengal. As the public demands accountability, the state government and law enforcement agencies are under increasing pressure to address these safety concerns and ensure that such incidents do not recur.