Doctors boycott work after mob attacks Udaipur hospital

Udaipur: Doctors in Udaipur Wednesday briefly boycotted work after a mob allegedly vandalised a private hospital and assaulted medical staff, following a dispute over a patient’s treatment Tuesday night.

The incident occurred at a JP Orthopedic Hospital after relatives of patient, Kuldeep Jain (50) of Lasadiya, accused doctors of negligence. According to family members, Jain was admitted with fractures in both hands and underwent surgery around 4 pm. They alleged that he did not regain consciousness after the procedure and claimed doctors failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, prompting them to shift him to another hospital.

Police said an angry crowd gathered at the hospital and allegedly vandalised property and assaulted doctors and staff. Additional police personnel reached the spot to control the situation.

Indian Medical Association (IMA) Rajasthan president Dr Anand Gupta said that he received a call from a doctor at the hospital and came to help them. He alleged that family members forcibly entered the operation theatre and attacked doctors. He claimed that Dr Naveen Goyal was locked inside the OT and assaulted, while senior doctor Dr JP Sharma, his son Dr Kanishk Sharma and other staff members were also beaten. Gupta said he too was attacked when he attempted to help colleagues and that his clothes were torn during the assault.

Medical organisations condemned the incident and demanded strict action against those involved. All the doctors met SP Amrita Duhan and sought immediate arrests. Following assurances from the police, doctors resumed work after being given five days for action.

Gupta said CCTV footage showed 40-50 people participating in the attack, while police had initially detained nine suspects. He urged authorities to identify and arrest all those involved.

Duhan said an FIR was registered and nine people were detained. A special investigation team has been constituted to identify additional accused and take legal action.

Police said the patient’s condition is currently improving.