FAIMA condemns alleged assault on doctors at Thane’s KDMC Hospital, seeks action within 24 hours

FAIMA Condemns Alleged Assault on Doctors at Thane Hospital

FAIMA condemns alleged assault on doctors – The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has strongly condemned the recent incident of physical violence against medical professionals at the Shastrinagar Hospital in Thane, Maharashtra. The attack, which reportedly left two doctors, two nurses, and two female employees injured, has raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare workers in public institutions. According to news reports, the incident occurred after a disagreement over the hospital’s lack of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), prompting the need for urgent action from the authorities.

Dr. Rohan Krishnan, FAIMA’s chief patron, expressed deep dismay over the event, calling it a “disgraceful act that undermines the dignity of healthcare workers.” He emphasized that such attacks are not isolated and reflect a growing pattern of disrespect toward medical staff, who are already grappling with overwhelming workloads and inadequate resources. The federation has demanded immediate intervention to prevent further incidents and ensure the well-being of those in the healthcare sector.

“Medical professionals deserve to be respected, not threatened or attacked while performing their duties,” said Dr. Krishnan. He added that the alleged assault highlights a critical issue: the expectation of healthcare workers to handle both medical and administrative challenges without facing personal harm.

Incident Details

The altercation reportedly began when doctors at Shastrinagar Hospital recommended transferring a newborn to another facility due to the absence of a functioning NICU. A family, reportedly dissatisfied with the care provided, approached local Shiv Sena (Shinde) corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who arrived at the hospital with supporters after initial complaints to the administration went unaddressed. The corporator, according to hospital officials, entered the premises forcefully, leading to a heated exchange with the medical staff.

Witnesses and CCTV footage captured the confrontation, which escalated into verbal abuse and physical aggression. The staff members were allegedly pushed and shoved, with some sustaining minor injuries. The incident has sparked outrage among healthcare workers, who argue that the violence is a direct result of systemic neglect in infrastructure and resource allocation. The hospital management has since confirmed the injuries and stated that the footage will be used as evidence in the ongoing investigation.

Call for Immediate Action

FAIMA has urged the Maharashtra government to take swift legal measures within 24 hours to hold the accused accountable. The federation has emphasized the importance of registering a First Information Report (FIR) against Ramesh Mhatre and his supporters, stating that this is essential to address the issue of public aggression against medical personnel. “The delay in response has allowed the situation to escalate, and this must be rectified promptly to restore faith in the healthcare system,” said a FAIMA spokesperson.

The organization has also called for stricter penalties for those who incite violence against doctors. This includes disciplinary action against the corporator and his associates, as well as measures to improve hospital infrastructure to prevent similar incidents. FAIMA highlighted that the attack not only affects the individuals involved but also sends a chilling message to the entire medical community, potentially deterring them from providing quality care in the future.

Impact on Healthcare Workers

The alleged assault has intensified the already high levels of stress among medical professionals in Thane and across Maharashtra. Many doctors and nurses have expressed fear of being targeted for their work, particularly in facilities where resources are stretched thin. “This incident is a stark reminder of the precarious environment we work in,” said a local doctor who requested anonymity. “We are expected to treat patients even when basic facilities are missing, but now we face threats from those who should be our allies.”

FAIMA has also raised concerns about the broader implications for patient care. The indefinite boycott of routine services by staff at Shastrinagar and Rukminibai hospitals has disrupted outpatient departments, leading to longer wait times and potential delays in treatment. While emergency services continue to operate, the situation has created uncertainty for patients relying on non-emergency care. The federation has warned that such disruptions could compromise the quality of healthcare delivery and further strain an already overburdened system.

Additionally, the attack has reignited discussions about the role of political figures in public healthcare. FAIMA pointed out that the corporator’s presence at the hospital was a direct result of administrative apathy, with authorities failing to mediate the situation before it escalated. “We are not just condemning an act of violence, but also the lack of support from local leaders who should prioritize the welfare of medical staff,” noted a FAIMA member. The incident has become a symbol of the challenges faced by healthcare workers in their daily tasks, urging a collective effort to protect their rights and safety.