An Indian doctor has come under investigation after allegedly assaulting a seriously ill patient on his hospital bed at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla, northern India.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, has since gone viral after footage surfaced showing the doctor physically attacking the patient, identified as Arjun Panwar, who was receiving treatment for breathing difficulties.
According to reports, Mr Panwar had visited the hospital for medical tests after experiencing severe respiratory problems and had just undergone a bronchoscopy procedure. He said the altercation began when the doctor spoke to him in a rude and dismissive manner.
Mr Panwar alleged that when he requested oxygen support, the doctor questioned the legitimacy of his hospital admission. He said he then asked the doctor to address him respectfully, which reportedly escalated the situation.
“I had just undergone a bronchoscopy and was struggling to breathe,” Mr Panwar said. “When I asked for oxygen, the doctor questioned my admission status. I requested that he speak to me with respect, but he became confrontational.”
He further alleged that when he questioned whether the doctor would speak to his own family in such a manner, the doctor accused him of becoming “personal” and began assaulting him.
Following the incident, a large crowd reportedly gathered at the hospital premises demanding disciplinary action against the accused doctor.
In response, the IGMC hospital administration has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter.
Confirming the development, the Medical Superintendent of IGMC Shimla, Dr Rahul Rao, said the committee has begun investigations and is expected to submit its report soon. He added that a police complaint has also been lodged against the doctor involved.
Authorities have assured the public that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
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