Dombivli Doctor Resigns After Assault by Shiv Sena Corporator, Citing Safety Concerns

A shocking incident in Dombivli, Thane district, has sent ripples through the healthcare community following the resignation of a doctor who was assaulted by a municipal corporator affiliated with the Shiv Sena party. The 26-year-old resident medical officer at the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation’s Shastri Nagar Hospital made the difficult decision to step down, expressing fears for his safety after the brutal attack.

The altercation occurred when the hospital staff requested the family of a pregnant woman to transfer her to another facility due to a lack of available beds in the neonatal intensive care unit, which was crucial for the newborn’s health. This prompted the family to seek assistance from Ramesh Mhatre, a corporator from the faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Mhatre’s arrival at the hospital escalated tensions, resulting in a violent confrontation captured by surveillance cameras. The footage, which circulated on social media, showed Mhatre and his supporters physically assaulting the hospital staff.

In a statement to the media, the doctor revealed the extent of his fear, saying, “I have resigned because there is a lot of fear. Goons are watching us, and I have already left the city. They are very dangerous people. The other doctors may continue working there, but I cannot.” This highlights a disturbing trend of violence against healthcare professionals in India, where incidents of abuse in hospitals are alarmingly common.

Mhatre was subsequently arrested on Wednesday after turning himself in to the police. His actions have raised significant concerns regarding the safety of medical personnel in public hospitals and the accountability of elected officials. Many in the medical community are now calling for stricter protections for healthcare workers, who often face threats and violence while trying to provide care in challenging environments.

The Dombivli incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure the safety of doctors and medical staff across the country. As the healthcare system grapples with overcrowding and resource limitations, incidents like these only add to the pressure on medical professionals, who are often left vulnerable in their pursuit of serving the public.

Source: scroll.in