Chennai: A senior doctor in Chennai was stabbed and left critically injured by an attendant on Wednesday following an argument over the treatment of his cancer-stricken mother.
The victim Dr Balaji, a senior oncologist, was attacked at the Kalaignar Centenary Government Multi-Specialty Hospital at around 10:30 am. He received several stab wounds in his neck, head and upper chest and was rushed to the intensive care unit in critical condition.
Police arrested the assailant, identified as 25-year-old Vigneshwaran from Perungalathur, with sources saying that he carried out the stabbing after an argument over his mother Prema who had been undergoing cancer treatment at the hospital for six months.
According to police, the accused, who had previously worked as an assistant at the same hospital, concealed a knife and attacked Dr Balaji.
The incident has sparked outrage and prompted a swift response from authorities. Chennai police arrested Vigneshwaran and his accomplice and are investigating the matter.
VERY IMPORTANT:
— Dr Jaison Philip. M.S., MCh (@Jasonphilip8) November 13, 2024
😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡
*Doctors and paramedical attention please!!!
A medical oncologist at Kalaignar Centenary Superspeciality hospital, Guindy was brutally stabbed at neck today Nov 13 at 10.30am. His condition is very critical. Pray for him, please!
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condemned the attack. In a post on X, the Chief Minister wrote, "The attack on Dr Balaji is shocking. The accused has been arrested, and I have ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. Our doctors work tirelessly to provide healthcare to the people. It is our duty to ensure their safety."
கிண்டி கலைஞர் நூற்றாண்டு உயர்சிறப்பு மருத்துவமனையில் பணிபுரியும் மருத்துவர் திரு. பாலாஜி அவர்களை நோயாளியின் குடும்ப உறுப்பினர் ஒருவர் கத்தியால் குத்திய சம்பவம் அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) November 13, 2024
இக்கொடுஞ்செயலில் ஈடுபட்ட நபர் உடனடியாகக் கைது செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார். மருத்துவர் திரு. பாலாஜி…
BJP leader and former Governor of Telangana Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan also condemned the attack and urged the Tamil Nadu government to ensure the safety of doctors.
"The attack on Dr Balaji, chief cancer doctor at Kindi Multipurpose Hospital is condemnable and painful, it shows the insecure situation of doctors in government hospitals in Tamil Nadu...," read a part of Soundararajan's post on X.
கிண்டி பல்நோக்கு மருத்துவமனையில் புற்றுநோய் தலைமை மருத்துவர் டாக்டர் பாலாஜி அவர்கள் தாக்கப்பட்டிருப்பது கண்டனத்திற்குரியது வேதனை அளிக்கக் கூடியது தமிழகத்தில் அரசு மருத்துவமனையில் மருத்துவர்களுக்கு பாதுகாப்பற்ற சூழ்நிலை நிலவுகிறது என்பதையே இது காட்டுகிறது... மருத்துவர்கள் அனைத்து…
— Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan (@DrTamilisai4BJP) November 13, 2024
Health Minister Ma Subramanian, who visited the hospital after the attack, said that Prema's condition had deteriorated, and she was discharged against medical advice. He added that Vigneshwaran, due to his familiarity with the hospital, was able to enter and attack the doctor.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of healthcare workers and has prompted calls for stricter security measures in government hospitals.
Tamil Nadu Doctors' Association Condemns Attack
The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors' Association (TNGDA) condemned the assault against the medical oncologist. The association also announced the suspension of elective surgeries and OPD services at the hospitals besides class work of medical students except for emergency services.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the TNGDA said that an urgent State Cabinet meeting of the association was held virtually at 12.00 pm on Wednesday in the presence of State President Prof Dr K Senthil during which key resolutions were passed.
TNGDA Resolutions
TNGDA strongly condemned the violent act and demanded strong action under the Hospital Protection Act and BNS Criminal provisions against the accused who attacked the doctor intending to murder him.
The Association said to prevent such incidents in future, police protection in all hospitals should be strengthened by increasing both the number of outposts and personnel. It also said the restriction of attendees into hospitals and especially emergency wards should be limited.
TNGDA also announced the indefinite stopping of all OPD, elective Surgeries except emergency services and life-saving procedures across the state until all Demands are met. "Further course of action will be decided in the State EC meet that will be conducted at 12 PM on 14.11.24,” the association said.
IMA Demands Strong Deterrent Central Law
The Indian Medical Association also condemned the brutal assault on the medical oncologist at the Chennai hospital. IMA President Dr RV Ashokan, while talking to ETV Bharat stated that the country had become "a dangerous place for doctors to practice".
"This incident rips open the hypocrisy of all governments who have failed miserably in protecting the doctor community. A strong deterrent central law, exemplary punishment and proactive security measures are required to instil confidence into the medical fraternity," Dr Ashokan said.
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