KDMC hospital doctors resume work after strike over assault on medics

KDMC’s Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli under tight security. PIC/RITIKA GONDHALEKAR

Doctors at Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) Hospital resumed duties on Wednesday after a two-day strike that was called to protest the assault on two doctors by a Shiv Sena corporator, Ramesh Mhatre, and his men. The decision to return to work came after registration of the final FIR in the case and the commencement of court proceedings against the accused.

Patients relieved

"For the last two days, we had to postpone consultations or visit private hospitals. This is a big government hospital with almost all facilities, and shutting the OPD services creates problems for those with financial limitations. We are happy the doctors are back, but they should be able to work without fear as well," said Sunita Patil, a Dombivli resident who had come for her son's post-operative follow-up.

Confusion over resignation

While reports stated both doctors assaulted had resigned, hospital authorities denied the same. "No resignation has been received. Both continue to be part of the hospital. Services resumed after assurance of police protection, and patient care remains our priority.

The doctors have been appointed through a third-party agency. We have not received any communication regarding their resignation from them as well. We have asked them to take a leave for a few days considering that they are mentally quite disturbed," said Dr Sadiya Pinjari, dean of Shastri Nagar Hospital.

What happened?

On July 6, the doctors at KDMC-run Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli advised the relatives of a pregnant woman that their newborn would require a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Because the hospital's NICU was completely full, the medical staff actively began arranging a transfer to another facility.

Unconvinced by the delay, the patient's family contacted local corporator Ramesh Mhatre. Mhatre and his associates arrived at the hospital and violently confronted the doctors, with CCTV footage capturing the politician repeatedly slapping and punching a female gynaecologist and other on-duty staffers.

Following the attack, the agitated hospital staff and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) launched a massive boycott of routine services, demanding the immediate arrest of the politician and enhanced medical security. An FIR was then registered on July 7, and the corporator was arrested.

However, soon after his arrest, Mhatre's health allegedly deteriorated, and he was admitted to Thane Civil Hospital. The court hearing on Wednesday was thus conducted via a video call.

Charges pressed

BNS sections slapped: 121(1), 132, 189(2), 190, 191(2), 351(2), and 352
Medicare Act, 2010: Sections 3, and 4

Waiting for discharge

The court rejected the request to conduct the remand proceedings through video conferencing. "Once Mhatre is discharged, we will inform the court, following which a fresh date for the hearing will be scheduled. We are seeking his police custody as custodial interrogation is necessary for the investigation. Since there is no recovery involved and the accused is over 70 years old, we are proceeding cautiously," said a police officer.

Doctor Speak

Dr Naina Bedi,
‘We fear someone or their partymen may attack doctors or staff due to the FIR and legal proceedings. But we can't deny treatment so we resumed duties.'

A senior doctor,
‘We have returned because patients shouldn't suffer. But staff are shaken the fear is still visible. We hope the legal process sends a strong message that violence against healthcare workers will not be tolerated.'

Cop Speak

‘While outpatient and inpatient services resumed, the hospital continued to function under heavy police deployment. "The situation is tense as political persons are involved. So, for the next few days, the hospital premises are a sensitive area that needs to be guarded well. The deployment should reduce in a couple of days," said a policeman at the spot.'

Inputs from Aishwarya Iyer