Tamil Nadu Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike After Doctor’s Stabbing
In response to the recent stabbing of a doctor in Chennai, the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) has launched an indefinite strike, calling for stronger security measures and legal action.
The incident involved a medical oncologist at the Kalaignar Centenary Multispeciality Hospital, who was attacked by a patient’s son. The Tamil Nadu Resident Doctors Association has joined the strike, urging the government for “immediate and decisive legal action under HPA and relevant criminal provisions to hold those responsible accountable.”
Stabbing Incident Sparks Outrage and Demand for Security
The incident took place on Wednesday when the 26-year-old son of a patient stabbed the doctor multiple times in the head, neck, and scalp. Although the doctor is now in stable condition, the brutal assault has intensified calls from the medical community for increased safety measures in healthcare settings. Dr. K Senthil, President of TNGDA, announced that doctors will halt all non-emergency activities, including outpatient and routine care, though emergency services and critical surgeries will continue.
“Why should we work when we don’t have security? We have been raising this issue with the government for years, but nothing has been done to ensure our safety within government hospitals,” said Dr. Senthil, highlighting long-standing concerns over inadequate security for healthcare professionals.
Government Response and Talks to End Strike
Following the attack, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the hospital to meet the injured doctor but was met with demands from doctors for urgent action to protect healthcare workers. The state government has condemned the attack and promised action against the assailant, while Health Minister Ma Subramanian announced plans to initiate discussions with the doctors’ associations to resolve the strike.
The incident in Tamil Nadu has also resonated nationally, with mounting anger across the medical community following a recent tragedy in Kolkata, where a resident doctor was brutally assaulted, leading to discussions about healthcare worker safety in India.
