Subtitle:
Doctors demand strict action as tensions flare over alleged threats and manhandling at emergency ward
News Report:
Healthcare services at AIIMS Patna came to a halt as resident doctors launched a strike on Monday, following serious allegations against JD(U) MLA Bima Bharti, her husband Awadhesh Mandal, and their security guards. The doctors have accused the political couple and their aides of verbally abusing and physically assaulting on-duty medical staff in the emergency ward.
The incident reportedly occurred late Sunday night when Bharti’s son was brought to the hospital for treatment. According to the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), the MLA and her husband allegedly stormed into the emergency unit, demanding immediate attention while using abusive language and issuing threats. When doctors asked them to wait and follow the treatment protocol, tensions escalated.
“We were doing our duty, treating critical patients in order. But the MLA and her husband created chaos, abused us, and even threatened to get us transferred or harmed,” said one of the resident doctors. “Their security guards even pushed and manhandled our colleagues. This is unacceptable.”
The RDA swiftly condemned the incident and called for a complete shutdown of outpatient and elective services, demanding immediate legal action and enhanced security for healthcare workers. The association has submitted a formal complaint to the hospital administration and local police, insisting that an FIR be filed and the accused be brought to justice.
Hospital authorities have confirmed that an internal inquiry has been initiated, while state health officials are reportedly in talks with the protesting doctors to resolve the crisis.
Meanwhile, AIIMS Patna remains in a state of disruption, with patients bearing the brunt of the fallout. Long queues formed outside the emergency department, and several surgeries were postponed due to the strike.
JD(U) has not yet released an official statement, but sources within the party suggest the matter is being “looked into.”
This incident adds to a growing list of cases where healthcare workers across India have faced intimidation or violence in the line of duty. The medical community has repeatedly called for stricter laws and enforcement to protect frontline workers.
For now, the doctors at AIIMS Patna say they will not return to duty until action is taken. “We are not just fighting for ourselves,” one doctor said, “we are fighting for the dignity and safety of every healthcare professional.”