A doctor at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla city, Himachal Pradesh state, was accused of assaulting a patient on 22/12, according to NDTV. The victim, Arjun Panwar, had come to the hospital for medical tests. After experiencing shortness of breath, Panwar rested on a bed in another department.
The patient stated the doctor began behaving rudely towards him despite no provocation. "I had just finished a bronchoscopy and was experiencing severe shortness of breath. When I requested oxygen support, the doctor questioned my admission status," Panwar recounted.
 |
Video shows doctor assaulting patient Arjun Panwar at Indira Gandhi Medical College. Screenshot from video |
When he complained about the doctor's attitude and requested respectful communication, an argument ensued. "I asked if he would speak to his own family with such an attitude, and the doctor claimed I was 'personally insulting him' before hitting me," Panwar recalled. In a video shared on social media, the man in a white lab coat repeatedly struck Panwar as he lay on the bed, attempting to defend himself, despite many trying to intervene.
The incident sparked outrage, leading a large crowd to gather at the hospital, demanding action against the doctor. IGMC Shimla Hospital stated it has formed a three-member investigation committee. Rahul Rao, Medical Director of IGMC Shimla, reported the committee is investigating the incident and will submit its report within hours. He also added that the hospital has filed a police report to prosecute the doctor.
This incident follows a shocking event in 2017 in India, when obstetrician Ashok Nainiwal and anesthetist Murari Lal Tak verbally abused each other in the operating room during an emergency cesarean section at Umaid Hospital in Jodhpur. More than 10 medical staff present at the time merely watched the two men argue. The prolonged argument led to the baby's death due to severe birth asphyxia.
 |
Crowd gathers outside the hospital on 22/12, demanding action against the doctor, after the video was shared on social media. Photo: PTI |
By Binh Minh (According to NDTV, The Hindu)
