A resident doctor at Sir Sunder Lal Hospital, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has filed a complaint of being harassed by a patient's attendant while she was on night duty in the maternal and child health wing. The doctor reported the incident to BHU Chief Proctor, Professor S.P. Singh, who has initiated an investigation, promising that appropriate actions will follow based on the findings.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on Saturday evening during the doctor’s shift. A patient's attendant falsely claimed to be a staff member from the Chief Medical Officer’s office and demanded that the doctor immediately arrange a meeting with the Head of the Department (HoD). The doctor informed him that the HoD could only be contacted by following proper protocol. At this point, the man called a student and began misbehaving with the doctor. Despite her efforts to raise the alarm and notify others, the man and his accomplice managed to flee the scene. Shockingly, no security personnel arrived to assist her during the incident.
Further action will be taken according to the result of investigation.Professor S.P. Singh, Chief Proctor BHU
The complaint has been forwarded to the HoD, Chief Proctor, and senior officials at the hospital. The Resident Doctors' Welfare Society of IMS-BHU has also expressed grave concerns, highlighting the urgency for stricter security measures to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals.
Incidents of harassment and violence against doctors have been on the rise across India. Such occurrences pose a serious threat to the safety of medical professionals, who are often left vulnerable while performing their duties. Recently, cases like this have surfaced in various parts of the country, including the tragic incident in Kolkata, where a young woman doctor was raped and murdered. These cases emphasize the pressing need for comprehensive security reforms in hospitals and stricter penalties for perpetrators to deter such crimes.
With the increasing frequency of these attacks, medical professionals are demanding improved workplace safety and a more robust response from authorities to prevent future incidents.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)