Trichy, India – Four individuals were apprehended by the Trichy Cantonment police for assaulting Dr. M Karthickeyan, an orthopedic surgeon at Periyamilaguparai ESI Hospital, following a verbal altercation. The altercation ensued as Karthickeyan attempted to enter the hospital’s main gate in his car, leading to a confrontation with occupants of another vehicle, driven by G Praveen, a local hotel owner. The dispute escalated, resulting in Praveen and his companions physically attacking Karthickeyan, causing minor injuries.
Following a complaint filed by the doctor, the police arrested Praveen and three others who were implicated in the assault. They were charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Tamil Nadu Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to the Property) Act 2008. The incident sparked outrage among the hospital staff, prompting a protest the next day within the hospital premises.
Dr. Aruleeswaran, the state treasurer of the service doctors and postgraduates association, expressed dismay over the attack on their colleague and led the protest. After the arrest of the four assailants by the police, the protesting staff members resumed their duties under the assurance of safety provided by Assistant Commissioner of Police L Baskar.
The incident sheds light on the rising instances of violence against healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to protect medical professionals in their line of duty. The solidarity shown by the hospital staff serves as a reminder of the importance of unity in the face of such challenges, ensuring healthcare workers can carry out their duties without fear of harm.