On Sunday, an on-duty lady doctor Dr. Priyadarshini was assaulted by a COVID-19 patient’s relative. She was attacked at VIMS Hospital in Ballari city. The police have managed to arrest the attacker immediately after the incident.

The assault was recorded in the CCTV that was attached inside the Covidward. The attacker was seen arguing with the duty doctor and later assaulted her. The video has gone viral on social media and demanded strict action against the person who attacked the doctor. Requests have also come to increase the security for the doctors who are fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

The Cowl Bazar Police have registered a case stating that the attacker’s father was undergoing treatment for COVID-19 related issues for one week and later died on Sunday morning. Following this the son attacked the doctor. The attacker is identified as Thippeswamy M (33 years) from Ballariand is now in police custody.

Apolice official said that the 65-years old patient was admitted last week at VIMS and on Sunday morning he passed away. However, the relatives accused the hospital authorities for his death and argued with the doctor who was on duty. In spite of explaining to them the situation the accused attacked the doctor.

Dr H L Janardhan, District Health Officer had condemned the attack and said that doctors are working hard to save the COVID-19 patients. But sometimes it is impossible to save them. The people should have control on their emotions. Doctors and frontline medical staff work hard to fight the ongoing pandemic and such assaults can bring down their morale. A case has already been registered with the police. He has requested the relatives to approach higher hospital authorities instead of taking law into their own hands.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has condemned the attack on Dr Priyadarshini at VIMS hospital in Ballari. Dr Srinivasa S, Chairman, National IMA Standing Committee for Child Health in a statement, said that if such attacks continue to happen, then the young doctors will lose their courage in treating ill patients. The government should intervene immediately and take appropriate action on culprits or else IMA will certainly fight for justice.

This is not the first incident reported at VIMS, five such incidents of assault of medical officers were reported in the last one week. However, they were avoided by timely staff intervention. The VIMS authorities said that all the incidents are reported to the local police.

Source: The New Indian Express