Ranchi News: Seven Doctors Attacked in Ranchi’s RIMS Hospital, Demands for Medical Protection Act Intensify

Ranchi, November 16, 2024: A violent attack on seven doctors at RIMS (Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences) in Ranchi, Jharkhand, has sparked widespread outrage, leading to calls for the immediate implementation of the Central Medical Protection Act. The assault, which left two doctors critically injured, highlights the growing danger healthcare professionals face while on duty in the state. Medical associations are urging the government to take swift action to ensure the safety of doctors and protect them from violence during their practice.

RIMS Ranchi Incident: Seven Doctors Assaulted, Spark Calls for Law Protection

The incident unfolded when a dispute over expired medicines at Patel Medical Hall in Ranchi escalated into a violent attack. Dr. Tanay, a senior doctor at RIMS, was the first to be physically assaulted by the drug store owner, Saket and his associates. Dr. Tanay suffered a head injury requiring immediate surgery, while Dr. Anupam Shanu Patel sustained severe shoulder and arm injuries. During the chaos, the attackers also stole valuable items, including gold chains and cash, from the doctors.

As the situation spiraled out of control, more doctors arrived to intervene. Dr. Ashwini Kumar, Dr. Ranjit, Dr. Sonu Dev, Dr. Vishal and Dr. Ashish were attacked by the assailants, suffering a range of injuries. Dr. Sonu Dev suffered an eye injury, while Dr. Vishal broke his arm. Caste-based slurs were directed at Dr. Ashwini Kumar, further aggravating the situation. In a brazen attempt to intimidate the doctors, the assailants tried to run them over with a vehicle, worsening the severity of the attack.

Allegations of Fake Medicine Sale

The doctors involved in the attack have alleged that Patel Medical Hall was involved in the sale of counterfeit and expired medicines, with some suggesting that this may have been the cause of the violent altercation. According to the doctors, such illegal practices have been ongoing at the store, raising serious concerns about the safety of medical professionals in the region. This incident has intensified calls for stricter regulations and better protection for doctors against such violent acts.

RIMS Ranchi: Response from the Junior Doctors Association

In response to the attack, the Junior Doctors Association (JDA) at RIMS has demanded that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare enforce the Central Medical Protection Act in Jharkhand. The association highlighted that this is not the first incident of violence against healthcare workers in the state, with previous attacks, including one at Dhanbad Medical College after the death of a cancer patient, further fueling the demand for stricter laws. The JDA has vowed to escalate their protests until the law is enacted and doctors’ safety is prioritized.

Police Investigation and Legal Response

The Jharkhand police have launched an investigation into the incident, reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the attackers. Authorities are actively working to ensure that the individuals responsible for the assault are brought to justice. Legal action is expected to follow, with possible charges of assault, theft and attempted murder. The police are also examining the allegations of counterfeit drug sales, which may result in further criminal charges against the drug store owner and his associates.

Growing Calls for Medical Protection Act

The attack on the RIMS doctors has reignited a long-standing demand for the Central Medical Protection Act to be enforced in Jharkhand. The Act, which seeks to provide legal safeguards for healthcare workers and punish those involved in violence against them, is seen as crucial in ensuring the safety of medical professionals. With attacks on doctors becoming increasingly common, medical associations, including the JDA, have stressed that stronger laws and greater law enforcement support are necessary to curb the growing trend of violence in the healthcare sector.

In summary, the attack on the seven doctors at RIMS Ranchi has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive legal protection for healthcare professionals in Jharkhand. With the growing calls for the implementation of the Central Medical Protection Act, the government faces mounting pressure to take decisive action to safeguard doctors and ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future. The medical community in the state remains united in its demand for justice and reform, as the safety of healthcare workers remains a critical issue.