Assam: Attack on On-Duty Doctor Raises Serious Safety Concerns at Bokakhat Hospital

Yet another incident of attack on Doctor at the Shaheed Kamala Miri Sub-Divisional Civil Hospital in Bokakhat on the day of Fakuwa (Holi) has raised serious concerns over the safety of healthcare workers; as the doctor on emergency duty was allegedly manhandled by attendants of a patient.

According to the hospital superintendent, Dr Prasanta Pratim Gogoi was physically harassed by attendants of a patient identified as Bikash Guwala at around 7:48 pm on March 4 while he was performing his duties in the hospital’s emergency department.

The entire incident was reportedly captured on the hospital’s CCTV cameras. The superintendent stated that the incident has created a sense of insecurity among the hospital staff and has disrupted the smooth functioning of public healthcare services for common people.

Following the incident, hospital staff have warned of possible non-cooperation in duties if adequate security measures are not ensured, citing concerns over their safety while carrying out medical responsibilities.

Known as the only major healthcare facility in the Bokakhat area, the Shaheed Kamala Miri Sub-Divisional Civil Hospital receives a large number of patients every day. Doctors at the hospital provide regular services through both OPD and emergency care.

The incident occurred when an individual accompanying a patient allegedly behaved rudely with the doctor on duty and later physically assaulted him. As the situation became tense, the hospital’s security guard intervened and managed to bring the situation under control.

The hospital superintendent, who was not present at the hospital on Wednesday due to the Falgotsav holiday, reviewed the CCTV footage on Thursday and subsequently filed an FIR at Bokakhat Police Station against the person who accompanied the patient.

Condemning the incident, the superintendent stated that such behaviour is unacceptable and urged patients and their attendants to cooperate with doctors and hospital staff.

“This is not how a patient or attendant should behave. They should cooperate with doctors and other staff members. If they have any issues, they should communicate them politely instead of resorting to any form of violence,” he said.

Doctors at the hospital have also appealed to the police to take strict action against individuals who create such disturbances, stressing that ensuring the safety of healthcare workers is essential for the uninterrupted delivery of medical services to the public.

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