Safdarjung hospital docs’ strike continues for 2nd day

New Delhi: A group of Resident doctors at Safdarjung Hospital continued their strike for the second day demanding enhancement of on-duty security for the doctors on the hospital premises.

The doctors went on strike yesterday evening after a junior resident doctor was allegedly manhandled by the attendants of a patient at the emergency ward.

An FIR under sections 186 (Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) and 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of IPC has also been filed at the Safdarjung Enclave police station against the attendants of the patient for assaulting a doctor and hospital guard.

“A patient was admitted in the emergency ward. He died last evening following which the relatives of the deceased lost their temper and assaulted the doctor on duty.

“However, the family alleged in the afternoon, they requested the doctor to put the patient on saline drip since the patient’s condition was worsening. But the doctor declined and went for lunch. In the evening when the patient died, they blamed the doctor for not treating him properly. The deceased’s family was also beaten up by the hospital guards.

Investigation is underway,” said a senior police official.

The Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung hospital, Dr A K Rai today held a meeting with the Health Ministry officials, following which the administration has decided to appoint marshals.

“The matter was discussed at a high level meeting and it has been decided that we will appoint marshals. Also, a review of the entire security arrangement will be done,” Dr Rai said.

He however clarified that there was no negligence on the part of the hospital staff in the treatment of the patient.

“The patient had died of Intra-cranial Hemorrhage due to irregular treatment of hypertension. He was properly attended by the doctors on duty,” Dr Rai said.

Also, a first-year PG student was allegedly manhandled by the attendants of a patient at the emergency ward of the hospital yesterday.

“Last Friday a female resident doctor was allegedly manhandled while on duty by the attendants of a patient in the paediatric ward. Such instances of violence against doctors are not stopping. We do not have any security,” said a junior resident doctor.

With the residents doctors on strike, the services was managed by the faculty.