Three doctors at the civic-run KEM Hospital in Parel were assaulted by relatives of a two-year-old child, who had succumbed to dengue shock syndrome, early on Friday. The doctors went on a flash strike to protest the assault that left three doctors with laceration wounds.
The incident happened at around 5am when the boy was brought to KEM Hospital allegedly in a very critical condition. Representatives of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors said that his pulse and blood pressure was not detectable. Moreover, the doctors claimed that the family was informed that there were no ICU beds. The family apparently consented to admit the child in a general ward.
Soon after, the child’s condition deteriorated and he succumbed in the ward. The relatives lost their cool when they were informed about the death and allegedly beat up the doctors with iron stool, rods and wooden stick lying around in the ward. Three doctors suffered wounds on the chest, back and arms.
“The relatives were informed about the risks of admitting the child in a general ward. They were also given updates about the child’s failing health condition frequently. All the necessary medications were started,” said Dr Sagar Mundada, president, central MARD. He also alleged that the three women private security guards present at the time of incident ran away from the spot after seeing the mob charge.
Dean Dr Avinash Supe confirmed the incident and said that the doctors continued to be on strike. The hospital was in the process of lodging a police complaint with the Bhoiwada police. Mundada said doctors from across the state will be joining in the protest by wearing black ribbons.