Why the stabbing of doctor in Chennai has reignited calls for central legislation to protect medical staff

The stabbing of a doctor in Chennai has reignited calls for a law to protect medical authorities.

An oncologist at Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital in Guindy, Chennai, was stabbed seven times by a patient’s son on Wednesday.

It was claimed that the attacker was disturbed by the treatment his mother received while under the supervision of a doctor.

The treatment of the injured continues.

The incident took place a day after the RG Kar hospital rape and murder trial began in the Kolkata court.

So what happened? So what do doctors demand?

Let’s take a closer look:

What happened?

It was stated that the attacker was Vignesh, a resident of Chennai.

Her mother Kanchana was earlier admitted to Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital.

He is also a well-known oncologist who works as an associate professor in the field of medical oncology at a state hospital. He was being treated by Balaji Jaganathan.

according to India Today, Kanchana is currently undergoing treatment at a private facility.

Vignesh entered the operation room claiming that he wanted to talk about his mother, an official said.

He then started stabbing Dr Balaji repeatedly.

“He closed the operating room and stabbed the doctor in the neck, behind the ear, in the chest, in the forehead, in the back, in the head and in the abdomen. There was a huge blood loss. He is already a heart patient and had surgery for his heart condition,’ the official, who is an emergency medicine anesthesiologist, told reporters.

The door could not be opened immediately.

Dr Balaji was taken out with the help of security personnel, staff and others.

26-year-old Vignesh was arrested.

The person who allegedly tried to escape was caught and handed over to the police. Business today.

NDTV Footage recorded on a mobile phone reportedly showed Vignesh being attacked by an angry mob.

first post has not independently verified the images.

Vignesh claimed that his mother was given chemotherapy six times at the hospital, the official said.

He was later transferred to a private hospital, saying that his lungs were affected.

It is not yet known exactly what happened between the victim and the attacker.

Dr Balaji, who underwent pacemaker implantation, was brought back to life.

He was then immediately taken into surgery by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons.

The victim is bleeding excessively, and the medications he is taking for his heart condition are the likely cause of further blood loss. Two units of blood were given and all wounds were stitched.

“We need to wait and see for another six to eight hours for it to heal; The oncologist is under anesthesia,” the official said. “Balaji sir is a very friendly doctor and as of now, his condition is stable and we pray to God that he returns to his normal condition.”

Stabbing reignited demand for justice

The incident reignited the demand for a law to protect doctors and nurses, which came to the fore after the coup.
Rape at RG Kar hospital and murder case.

Body of post-graduate trainee doctor found in university seminar room
public hospital The morning of August 9 sparked outrage across the country.

Civilian volunteer Sanjay Roy was arrested by Kolkata Police the next day.

Calcutta High Court later ordered CBI probe into rape-murder case

according to Indian Express, It has been a long-standing demand of doctors to have a law to protect healthcare professions.

The Center prepared a bill following nationwide protests in 2019.

However, the Center claims that 26 states and Union Territories already have laws protecting doctors and the new legislation is unlikely to act as a deterrent.

However, the draft bill was shelved after consultations with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“We were informed that many of the provisions were rejected because many of them were already in the criminal code, there was insufficient consultation with stakeholders and there were concerns about the federal structure,” said Dr Amrinder Singh Malhi, then resident chairman. AIIMS doctors association and a member of the drafting committee told the newspaper.

What do doctors demand?

Doctors at the hospital condemned the attack and declared a strike.

according to Appearance, Non-urgent treatment at the hospital was stopped.

according to Hindustan Times, The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for “strong legislation, exemplary penalties and proactive safety measures” to protect doctors.

“No amount of superficial damage control by governments can ensure that doctors in this country work without fear,” he wrote in a letter.

“Strong deterrent laws, exemplary punishment and proactive security measures are needed here and now. All governments were informed of this heinous crime. “The medical profession in the country is deeply disturbed and skeptical of remedial measures against this recurring violence.”

“Only a comprehensive overhaul of the security environment in hospitals can restore doctors’ trust. In the letter, it was stated that the nation owes this to its doctors.

Dr Anto Uresh, representing the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association, said: NDTV The incident shows that people in Tamil Nadu are not afraid of the law.

“Doctors do not feel safe. The attack was a breach of security and shows that the law is not feared… Security must be tightened. CCTV cameras have been installed but I don’t think they are working,” Uresh said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned the incident.

“It is shocking that Dr Balaji, who works at Guindy Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital, was stabbed by a family member of a patient. The person involved in this incident was immediately arrested. “I have directed that Dr Balaji be given all necessary medical treatment and a detailed investigation be conducted into the matter,” he said. India Today.

“It is our duty to protect those who are dedicated to treating patients,” he added.

Appearance Deputy Prime Minister Udayanidhi quoted Stalin as saying: “He had met Dr. Balaji for 30 minutes before the incident took place.”

Udayanidhi said a misunderstanding may have occurred before the attack.

“After being treated in a public hospital for six months, her mother was transferred to a private hospital… the doctors in the private hospital misled her.” NDTV he said. “Since he was a known employee, there was no security breach. “We cannot search everyone who enters the hospital.”

However, state BJP Chief K Annamalai criticized the government

“Despite numerous attacks on doctors and hospital staff, the government has failed to take decisive action. “This raises serious concerns about public safety.” India Today.

Actor Vijay also criticized the government.

“I was shocked to hear about the stabbing of Dr Balaji from Guindy Hospital, Chennai, today. The reason why doctors working in government hospitals have no security is the negligence of the Tamil Nadu government. The Tamil Nadu government should take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of doctors,” Vijay wrote to X.

With input from agencies