Bhubaneswar: Tension prevailed at AIIMS Bhubaneswar after a doctor was allegedly assaulted following the death of a patient on Saturday as his relatives turned violent.
According to sources, police detained several people in connection with the incident and have launched an investigation.
Sources said the incident took place in the medicine ward after the death of a patient identified as Shibashankar Behera, a resident of Ogalapada in the Janla area of Khordha district. He had been admitted to the hospital in critical condition three days earlier after allegedly consuming poison.
However, Behera died while undergoing treatment on Saturday morning. Following his death, family members and some villagers alleged medical negligence, claiming that lapses in treatment led to his demise.
The situation turned violent when an agitated group confronted hospital staff and allegedly assaulted a doctor on duty, sparking tension on the hospital premises.
After receiving information, a team from Khandagiri Police Station rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Several people involved in the disturbance were detained and taken to the police station for questioning.
Appropriate legal action would be taken against those found responsible for the violence, a senior police official said.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar clarifies patient care, condemns violence
AIIMS Bhubaneswar expressed deep sorrow over the patient’s death, and categorically denied any negligence in his treatment.
The hospital said in a press release that every possible medical intervention was undertaken in accordance with standard clinical protocols by the treating team after the patient was admitted following alleged consumption of approximately 10 grams of poison on June 24.
The patient’s condition deteriorated suddenly on Saturday morning, following which the doctors and nursing staff initiated all life-saving resuscitative measures after informing family members about the his critical condition and the associated risks. Despite exhaustive efforts by the treating team and adherence to the highest standards of medical care, the patient could not be revived and was declared dead, the hospital said.
A group of the deceased patient’s relatives and associates turned violent and physically assaulted doctors on duty and nursing staff.
Dr Prabhas Ranjan Tripathy, Medical Superintendent, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, strongly condemned the cowardly attack on healthcare professionals.
“Violence against doctors and healthcare workers is completely unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances. Our medical team made every possible effort to save the patient’s life while adhering to established clinical protocols. AIIMS Bhubaneswar stands firmly with its healthcare professionals and will extend full cooperation to the investigating authorities to ensure that those responsible for this reprehensible act are brought to justice,” Dr Tripathy said.
The hospital appealed to the public to maintain faith in the healthcare system and resolve grievances through lawful and peaceful means, respecting the dedicated efforts of healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to save lives.
