Violence at GDMC Hospital’s gynaecology emergency raises concerns over staff safety

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

A violent altercation broke out on Sunday morning at the gynaecology emergency of Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) Hospital, when attendants of a 16-year-old girl patient allegedly assaulted hospital security staff. According to sources, the said minor girl visited the hospital with stomach pain and weakness. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare workers at the facility.

A video of the altercation between the patient’s attendants and security guards was also circulated on social media on Sunday, prompting various questions. Talking to The Pioneer, medical superintendent at GDMC Hospital Dr RS Bisht said that the incident occurred around 7:00–7:30 AM on Sunday. The minor girl was brought to the hospital by several attendants for some treatment. She was first treated at the medicine emergency. After the initial consultation, doctors there referred her to the gynaecology emergency for further examination and tests. Following the examination, she was sent for certain diagnostic tests, including a UPT test and blood work.
Dr Bisht said that after returning from the tests, some of the girl’s attendants allegedly entered the Gynaecology department carrying sticks. Female security guards on duty stopped them. An argument ensued, during which the attendants allegedly struck the female guards with sticks. Other security personnel soon arrived at the spot. In the ensuing scuffle, the attendants also assaulted additional security staff.
The attendants reportedly objected to the UPT test prescribed for the patient and to extra blood being drawn, which led to the confrontation.
Several more security personnel reached the spot and brought the situation under control. The attendants involved were taken to the police station. Dr Bisht termed the incident “a serious concern” for all hospital staff. “We doctors and other staff are available round the clock to provide treatment. Such behaviour puts everyone at risk,” he said.

He added that, considering staff safety, the hospital administration will approach the Dehradun senior superintendent of police to request enhanced security at GDMC. A formal complaint regarding the incident has already been filed, and the head of the Gynaecology department will also be asked to conduct an internal inquiry into the matter.