A Shimla doctor was caught in a video that went viral on social media assaulting a patient at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) ward. According to news agency ANI, the doctor has been suspended indefinitely.
The state government and the hospital administration constituted a high-level inquiry committee, which directed the doctor to report to the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) at Shimla headquarters until further orders.
Speaking to ANI, Naresh Dashta, a relative of the patient, said that the incident involved their relative Arjun Pawar, a resident of Cheta village in the Kupi area of Chaupal.
Naresh said that Arjun Pawar had come to IGMC for an endoscopic procedure and was an IPD patient. “The doctor scheduled him for an endoscopy. After the procedure, he was told he had chest problems and was advised to rest for two hours in the pulmonary ward.”
Naresh alleged that while Arjun was lying on the hospital bed, a senior resident doctor named Raghav and another doctor in the pulmonary department were abusive towards the patient.
“They misbehaved with Arjun Pawar. He is a teacher and he never misbehaved with anyone. When he told the doctor that he was sent there for rest, the doctor misbehaved. When Arjun Pawar asked him to speak politely, the doctor replied abusively,” claimed Naresh.
“In the video, you saw how a patient on oxygen who was bedridden was beaten up,” Naresh said, referring to the viral video. “Another doctor was holding his legs and the patient started bleeding. It’s nothing more than an attempted murder.”
“We demand that the police register a case of attempted murder against the doctor,” he said.
Naresh Dashta also claimed that there were several complaints against the doctor in the past. “Due to one such doctor, the entire IGMC is being maligned. There are many good and well-behaved doctors in IGMC, but such incidents bring shame to the institution and the state.”
He warned of protests if strict measures were not taken. “If the police do not arrest him today, we will stage a protest outside the SP’s office. We are looking for a fair commission of inquiry that includes members of the public. The patient is currently stable and undergoing treatment, but the investigation is still ongoing.”
Read also | Doctor whose naqab was removed by Nitish Kumar will not join service: Officials
However, Dr Rahul Rao, Medical Superintendent, IGMC Shimla, told ANI that the incident occurred in the Pulmonary Department when a patient came for a bronchoscopy. “The patient came for a bronchoscopy and was advised to rest for two hours after the procedure. He went to the ward. According to hospital protocol, only inpatients can be in the ward.”
“During this time there was an argument and some pushing between the senior resident and the patient,” said Dr. Rao and added that the Principal Pulmonary Department, Deputy Medical Superintendent and other senior officials were immediately informed about the matter.
“The government has taken cognizance of the issue and directed us to take immediate action. We have submitted our report to the government as per the orders of the chief minister and the health minister,” said Dr. Rao.
Read also | Matthew Perry case: Doctor gets 2.5 years in prison for illegal supply of ketamine
Dr Rao told ANI that the doctor has been suspended and his residence has been fixed at the Directorate of Medical Education where he has been asked to report
“A high-powered committee has also been constituted to investigate the matter. We are conducting the investigation in a fair and transparent manner and no one will be spared,” he added.
Dr. Rao further said that the decision was taken within hours. “We came to know about the incident between 1pm and 1.30pm. A committee was formed and the government issued instructions around 6pm. A decision was taken within four hours. We don’t cover up any complaints and we always act immediately on written complaints.”
He also clarified that the local doctors had briefly gathered outside the A Block but dispersed after appeals from the hospital authorities. “This is a big hospital and we need cooperation from everyone. We are trying to ensure better patient care and transparency,” added Dr. Rao.
A high-level committee will now investigate the incident in detail and further action will be taken based on its findings.
