Bhubaneswar: Doctors at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar continued outpatient department (OPD) services on Saturday while wearing black badges as part of a silent protest organised by the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA).
The demonstration came in response to an alleged attack on an on-duty doctor, Dr Janmejay Mishra, of the Orthopaedics Department by relatives of a patient during a heated argument over shifting the latter to the casualty department the previous day as the OPD had closed. The accused, identified as Bindu Sagar Rout (39) from Nimapada, allegedly attacked Dr Mishra with a helmet, causing a fracture to his hand. A hospital dresser, Ratikant Bal, who intervened, was also allegedly assaulted.
Rout was arrested shortly after the attack on Friday, while others involved in the incident are absconding.
Highlighting that such attacks on healthcare workers in government facilities are becoming alarmingly frequent, the association has demanded immediate deployment of additional armed security personnel in sensitive areas of the hospital, strict legal action against perpetrators, and stronger legal safeguards for doctors and staff.
Despite the protest, hospital authorities and the JDA emphasised that patient care remained uninterrupted, with OPD services functioning normally. However, they warned of suspending OPD if the government does not implement adequate security measures soon.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Aswathy S visited Capital Hospital to assess the situation. “Doctors’ security is our responsibility. We will take all necessary steps to ensure they are protected. We are consulting closely with the police, and I hope those involved in the assault will be arrested as soon as possible,” she told reporters.
