Two doctors at a civic-run hospital in Thane district have resigned days after they were allegedly assaulted by a Shiv Sena corporator and his associates. The incident, which occurred at Shastri Nagar Hospital in Kalyan Dombivli, sparked widespread outrage after a video of the attack went viral on social media.
Assault at Kalyan Dombivli hospital triggers resignations
The doctors, identified as medical officer Dr. Vaibhav Salunkhe and resident medical officer Dr. Srishti Baviskar, had advised the relatives of a newborn to transfer the infant to another facility due to a lack of space in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Enraged by the suggestion, the family contacted local Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who arrived with his aides and allegedly assaulted the medical staff.
Graphic footage of the attack shows Mhatre slapping and punching one doctor and striking him on the head with a register. The female doctor was also hit on her hand during the altercation. Dr. Salunkhe sustained injuries in the assault, according to reports.
Arrests and official response
Mhatre was arrested on Wednesday night, while three of his associates were detained a day earlier. The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) confirmed the resignations but clarified that the doctors were employed through an outsourcing agency. Dr. Deepa Shukla, KDMC Medical Health Officer, stated that the resignations were submitted to the agency, and official paperwork had not yet reached the health department.
Colleagues of the doctors described them as deeply traumatized by the incident. One doctor told local media, "Our parents spent years educating us to serve the poor. It is unacceptable for outsiders to barge into a hospital and assault us while we work." Family members of Dr. Baviskar expressed concerns over the safety of medical staff at the facility.
What happens next?
The case has drawn attention to the growing issue of violence against healthcare workers in India. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident further, while hospital administrations may review security protocols to prevent future incidents. The resignations and arrests have kept the focus on the need for stricter protections for medical professionals.
