Two booked for abusing, misbehaving with doctor on duty at hospital in Karnataka

Mangaluru: Women's Police station in Karnataka's Puttur has booked a case against two individuals for allegedly abusing, misbehaving with, and pushing a doctor on duty at the Government Hospital in Puttur.

District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Thimmaiah H R told DH, When Puttur Government Hospital Administrative Officer Dr Ashajyothi Putturaya was on rounds at the hospital on Friday noon, she noticed a few people, including the accused, visiting a woman who had recently delivered. They were sitting on beds meant for patients in the prenatal ward. She instructed them not to sit on the beds, explaining that it could potentially spread infections to newborns and mothers. She then asked them to leave the ward.

"However, after stepping out, the duo began shouting loudly, questioning why the visitors' timing board was not displayed in English. They proceeded to abuse the doctor, push her, and record a video of the incident," he added.

Following the altercation, Dr Ashajyothi submitted a complaint to the Women's Police Station in Puttur. The police have registered a case against Zohara and her son Abdul Samad.

Following the incident, doctors and hospital staff staged a protest on Saturday.

The DHO said that all services at the taluk hospital continued without disruption.

In solidarity, private hospitals in Puttur condemned the incident and provided only emergency services.

Puttur MLA Ashok Rai said, "Any attempt to abuse a doctor on duty is wrong. If doctors do not have a conducive atmosphere, they cannot function effectively. Some are trying to exploit the incident for political gain. The initial complaint submitted by Dr Ashajyothi did not invoke certain sections of the law. She has been asked to revise and resubmit the complaint to the police. All legal actions will be taken against the accused. I have directed the police to arrest the accused by 6 pm. Doctors need not fear — we are ready to protect them."

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Mangaluru and Puttur, along with the Association of Medical Consultants (AMC), have condemned the incident.