• By Mayukh Debnath
  • Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:30 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Chennai Doctor Stabbing: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday sharply criticised the "superficial damage control exercises by governments" in the context of the safety of on-duty medical professionals, hours after a doctor was stabbed multiple times at Chennai's Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital (KCSSH).

The accused, identified as Vignesh, was purportedly aggrieved over the medical treatment his mother had received at the state-run hospital under the doctor's care. The alleged attacker was apprehended by the hospital staff and handed over to the police. The victim, Dr Balaji Jagannathan, a renowned oncologist and a teacher at KCSSH, was said to be stable after being operated upon by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons.

CHENNAI DOCTOR STABBED: IMA SEEKS OVERHAUL OF SECURITY AT HOSPITALS

Expressing outrage over the incident, the IMA said in a release: "Strong deterrent legislations, exemplary punishments and proactive safety measures are required now and here. All Governments have been put on notice with this heinous crime."

The doctors' body added, "The medical profession of the country is deeply disturbed and is skeptical of the remedial measures on this ever-recurring violence. Only a comprehensive overhaul of the security atmosphere in the hospitals could restore the confidence of doctors. The nation owes this to its doctors."

CHENNAI DOCTOR ATTACKED: GOVT, OPPN REACTIONS

The stabbing incident prompted strong reactions from political circles, including both the state government and the opposition. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said the accused was arrested immediately, adding that a detailed inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

"The selfless work of our government doctors is immeasurable in providing appropriate treatment to the patients who seek government hospitals regardless of time. It is our duty to ensure their safety during this work," CM Stalin said in a post on X. Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin and state Health Minister Ma Subramanian met the wounded doctor.

AIADMK chief and Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Edappadi K Palaniswami, slammed the DMK government over the incident and said it reflected the law and order situation. BJP's Tamil Nadu unit chief K Annamalai also blamed the MK Stalin-led government for the incident.

(With inputs from agencies)