A disagreement over the treatment of a critically ill patient at Rajkot Civil Hospital has escalated into a police case after a 26-year-old resident doctor alleged that a senior colleague abused, slapped and threatened her during an argument in the emergency ward.
The incident, which reportedly took place during the resident doctor’s emergency duty on Thursday, has also raised concerns about the safety and working environment of resident doctors at the hospital. An emergency meeting was later held between hospital authorities, senior officials and the resident doctor’s family.
The senior doctor, Dr Ashwin Ramani, has been booked by police following the complaint. He has also been sent on mandatory leave and later ordered to be transferred to a primary health centre in Panchmahal district.
Dispute Began Over Treatment of Critically Ill Patient
According to the complaint filed by Dr Krisha Singala, a resident doctor in the medicine department, the incident occurred between around 7:30 pm and 7:45 pm while she was on a 24-hour emergency duty.
Dr Singala said she had brought an elderly woman in critical condition to the hospital. The patient’s condition was serious and she required ventilator support.
She approached Dr Ramani, who was on duty as the senior doctor, and requested that the patient be admitted to the emergency ward so that the required treatment could be provided.
However, according to her complaint, Dr Ramani insisted that the patient be shifted to the general ward instead.
The disagreement reportedly intensified when Dr Singala continued to explain the seriousness of the patient’s condition.
Resident Doctor Alleges Slap and Threats
Dr Singala alleged that Dr Ramani lost his temper during the argument, verbally abused her and slapped her.
She further alleged that he issued criminal threats against her.
The situation was eventually brought under control after other hospital staff and security personnel intervened and escorted Dr Ramani away from the area.
The entire incident was reportedly captured by CCTV cameras installed in the emergency room.
Doctor Says Earlier Complaint Was Ignored
Dr Singala also claimed that this was not the first time she had raised concerns about Dr Ramani’s behaviour.
According to her, she had submitted a written complaint on July 1 to the resident medical officer through the hospital superintendent. She alleged that no action was taken on that complaint at the time.
Following Thursday night’s incident, she approached the Pradyuman Nagar police station along with her father and uncle and formally submitted a complaint.
Police Register Case
Based on the complaint, police booked Dr Ramani under provisions relating to causing hurt, criminal intimidation and intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of peace.
The allegations are now subject to police investigation.
Emergency Meeting Held at Hospital
Following the incident, an emergency meeting was held involving Dr Singala’s family members and hospital authorities.
Dr Singala said she received support from the hospital and medical administration after the incident. She said senior officials heard her concerns and assured her that appropriate action would be taken.
The incident also prompted resident doctors to raise concerns about their safety and the need for a secure working environment inside the hospital.
Senior Doctor Sent on Leave, Later Transferred
Dr Ramani was serving as a senior medical officer and had been deputed to the emergency ward.
Following the controversy, he was sent on mandatory leave.
Later, orders were issued from Gandhinagar directing his transfer to a primary health centre at Vavkundli in Ghodhamba taluka of Panchmahal district.
The administrative action came as hospital authorities continued to address concerns raised by the resident doctor and her colleagues.
Focus Shifts to Safety of Resident Doctors
The incident has brought renewed attention to the working conditions of resident doctors, particularly those handling emergency cases and critically ill patients.
Emergency wards often involve high-pressure decisions, but disagreements between medical staff can have serious consequences when they affect patient care or the safety of healthcare workers.
For the resident doctors at Rajkot Civil Hospital, the immediate concern is ensuring that they can perform their duties without facing intimidation or violence.
The police investigation and administrative proceedings will now determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and the appropriate action against the senior doctor.
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