Rehab patient attacks woman doctor

A woman doctor on duty was allegedly assaulted by a patient undergoing treatment for drug addiction at the Kullu Regional Hospital (RH) late last night.

According to reports, the patient, a chronic drug addict, was undergoing treatment at the Integrated De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre (IDRC) in Bhuntar. Kullu RH Medical Superintendent Dr Tara Chand said the patient was admitted to the hospital’s medical ward due to severe withdrawal symptoms.

During a routine examination, the patient became aggressive and scuffled with the attending doctor. The doctor reportedly suffered damage to her eye. She received multiple wounds before the hospital staff intervened.

Following the incident, a formal complaint was lodged with the police the same night. Authorities are investigating the matter.

Necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals, who deal with high-risk patients.

The patient in question has since been transferred back to the Integrated De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre for continued treatment under strict supervision.

Violence against medical professional remains a matter of concern. The incident has again stirred discussions on the need for enhanced security measures in hospitals, particularly in wards handling vulnerable patients with psychiatric or addiction-related conditions.

Local healthcare officials have emphasised the importance of implementing protocols to safeguard medical professionals working in unpredictable environments. They have urged the authorities concerned to improve security arrangements at hospitals, ensuring that incidents like these can be prevented in the future.

Himachal Tribune