A junior doctor at the emergency department of AIIMS Bhopal was allegedly assaulted and verbally abused by the relatives of a critically ill patient late Sunday night, prompting swift police action and strong condemnation from hospital authorities.
The incident took place when 39-year-old Santosh Kumar was admitted to the Yellow Triage Critical Area in a critical condition. While the junior doctor was briefing the patient’s family about the severity of the situation, three young men accompanying the patient began arguing with him. The situation quickly escalated as they verbally abused the doctor, grabbed him by the throat, tore his shirt, and punched him in the face.
Hospital security personnel and police officers stationed at AIIMS immediately intervened. While two of the attackers managed to flee the scene, one was apprehended and handed over to the Baghsewania police.
Following the incident, an FIR was registered under the Madhya Pradesh Medical Services Person and Medical Services Institute (Prevention of Violence and Damage) Act, 2008, which carries a punishment of three to five years of imprisonment and a fine ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh.
Dr. Sanjay Mandloi, a senior doctor at AIIMS, visited the police station and strongly condemned the attack. “Our junior doctor was not only physically assaulted but also verbally abused. He was explaining the patient’s condition when the assault took place. Such violence is unacceptable, and the institute will pursue strict legal action,” he said.
Baghsewania police station in-charge Amit Soni confirmed that they were informed of the incident by AIIMS authorities and said the doctor is undergoing a medical examination. He added that further legal steps will be taken based on the final medical report and investigation findings.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of medical professionals, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting healthcare workers in critical care environments.
