The murder of a doctor in Chennai has renewed the call for a law to protect medical authorities.

An oncologist at Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital at Guindy in Chennai was stabbed seven times on Wednesday by a patient’s son.

The attacker was reportedly upset by the treatment his mother received while under the doctor’s care.

The victim is being treated for his injuries.

The incident took place a day after the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case began in a Kolkata court.

But what happened? And what do doctors demand?

Let’s take a closer look:

What happened?

The attacker was Vignesh, a resident of Chennai.

His mother, Kanchana, had already been admitted to the Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital.

She was being treated by Dr Balaji Jaganathan, a renowned oncologist who is also an associate professor of medical oncology at the government hospital.

According to India today, Kanchana is currently undergoing treatment at a private facility.

Vignesh, claiming he wanted to talk about his mother, entered the OP room, an official said.

He then stabbed Dr. Balaji several times.

“He closed the operating room and stabbed the doctor in the neck, behind the ear, chest, forehead, back, head and stomach. There was enormous blood loss. He already has heart problems and has undergone surgery for his heart disease,” the official, an anesthetist specializing in emergency medicine, told the press.

The door could not be opened immediately.

Dr. Balaji was released with the help of security personnel, staff and others.

Vignesh, 26, was arrested.

He was apprehended and handed over to police after trying to flee, according to Business today.

NDTV reported that cellphone footage shows Vignesh being attacked by an angry mob.

First message has not independently verified the images.

The official said Vignesh claimed that his mother had received chemotherapy six times at the hospital.

She was then transferred to a private hospital where they said her lungs were affected.

What exactly happened between the victim and the attacker remains unclear.

Dr Balaji, who had also undergone pacemaker implantation, was revived.

He was then immediately operated on by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons.

The victim bled profusely and his medication for his heart condition was likely the cause of the additional blood loss. Two units of blood were transfused and all wounds were sutured.

“We have to wait another six to eight hours for his recovery; the oncologist is under anesthesia,” the official said. “Balaji sir is a very sincere doctor and as of now he is stable and we pray to God that he comes back to normal.”

Stabbings revive demand for law

The incident revives the demand for a law to protect doctors and nurses, which was raised in the aftermath of the attack.
Rape at RG Kar hospital and murder case.

The body of a trainee doctor found in the seminar room of the
public hospital the morning of August 9 sparked indignation throughout the country.

Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested by the Kolkata Police the next day.

The Calcutta High Court later ordered a CBI probe into the rape and murder case.

According to Indian Express, Having a law dedicated to the protection of health professions is a long-standing demand of doctors.

In 2019, the Center prepared a bill after a nationwide protest.

However, the Center says 26 states and union territories already have laws protecting doctors and new legislation is unlikely to have a deterrent effect.

However, the bill was ultimately abandoned after consultations with the Interior Ministry.

“We were informed that it was rejected because many provisions are already in the penal code, there was not enough consultation with stakeholders and there were concerns about the structure “, said Dr. Amrinder Singh Malhi, who was then head of the resident district. the AIIMS doctors’ association, and one of the members of the editorial board, told the newspaper.

What are doctors asking for?

Doctors at the hospital condemned the attack and announced a strike.

According to Outlook, non-urgent hospital treatments have been suspended.

According to Hindustan Times, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for “strong legislation, exemplary sanctions and proactive safety measures” to protect doctors.

“No superficial damage control measures by governments will allow doctors to work without fear in this country,” he wrote in a letter.

“Strong dissuasive legislation, exemplary sanctions and proactive security measures are needed now. All governments have been informed of this heinous crime. The country’s medical profession is deeply disturbed and skeptical about corrective measures in the face of this ever-recurring violence,” the text adds.

“Only a complete overhaul of the safety climate in hospitals could restore doctors’ confidence. The nation owes it to its doctors,” the letter added.

Dr Anto Uresh, who represents the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association, said NDTV the incident shows that people of Tamil Nadu are not afraid of the law.

“Doctors don’t feel safe. The attack was a security breach and indicates a lack of fear of the law… security should be increased. CCTV cameras have been installed but I don’t think they are working,” Uresh said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MP Stalin condemned the incident.

“It is shocking that Dr Balaji, who works at Guindy Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital, was stabbed by a family member of a patient. The person involved in this incident was immediately arrested. I have ordered that all necessary medical attention be provided to Dr Balaji and a detailed investigation be conducted into this matter,” Stalin said, according to India today.

“It is our duty to protect those dedicated to treating patients,” he added.

Outlook quoted Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin as saying, “He had a conversation with Dr Balaji for 30 minutes before the incident took place. »

Udayanidhi said it was possible a misunderstanding occurred before the attack.

“His mother was transferred to a private hospital after treatment at a government hospital for six months… the doctors at the private hospital misled him,” NDTV quoted him as saying. “There was no security breach as it involved a known employee. We cannot search everyone who enters the hospital.

But BJP leader K Annamalai criticized the government.

“Despite numerous attacks on doctors and hospital staff, the government has failed to take decisive action. This raises serious concerns about public safety,” Annamalai was quoted as saying by India today.

Actor Vijay also criticized the government.

“I am shocked to learn that Dr Balaji of Guindy Hospital, Chennai was stabbed today. Negligence of the Tamil Nadu government is the reason why doctors working in government hospitals do not get any security. The Tamil Nadu government should take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of doctors,” Vijay wrote on X.

With the contribution of agencies