Odisha Man Assaults Doctor And Bites Off Ear After He Was Not Allowed To Enter Labour Room
The COVID-19 outbreak has been an eye opener in many ways, especially on the risks medical professionals put themselves in while dealing with diseases.It also highlighted another major problem they face - physical attacks, by patients and their relatives.?
In a bizarre incident, a man allegedly attacked and bit off a doctor¡¯s ear over an argument.The incident happened at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, Odisha on Sunday.?
The man, identified as Tareni Mahapatra had come to the hospital with his wife who was admitted in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department ward for delivery.While she was in the labour room, Tareni and other relatives gathered outside creating troubles for the medical staff.?
"As other attendants had gathered near the gate of the labour room, I asked them not to congregate as stress is being given on social distancing to check the spread of COVID-19. The accused forcibly tried to enter and attacked me first,¡± Dr. Smruti Ranjan Pattnayak of the MKCG Medical College told local media.
After he was stopped, Tareni, in a fit of rage attacked a group of doctors and bit off the ear of one of them, identified as Shakeel Khan. Following the attack, doctors protested demanding strict action against the accused who was arrested by the police.?
Recently, the government had amended the Epidemic Act to provide security to doctors and other medical staff.?Under the new law, any violence against healthcare service personnel will be a cognisable and non-bailable offence which will be punishable with imprisonment from 6 months to 7 years and a fine ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
If any damage is done to the vehicles or clinics of healthcare workers, then a compensation amounting to twice the market value of the damaged property will be recovered from the accused. Last month, amid an increase in the number of attacks on doctors and other medical professionals, the Indian Medical Association had announced a nationwide protest against such incidents.?
Following an assurance from the government the IMA had withdrawn its protest.?
Sending a strong message against the attackers, Home Minister Amit Shah had said that the safety and dignity of doctors at their workplace are "non-negotiable". "It is our collective responsibility to ensure a conducive atmosphere for them at all times. I have assured doctors that the Modi government is committed to their cause and appealed to reconsider their proposed protest," the Home Minister added.? ??
