Mumbai: Shiv Sena councilor Ramesh Mhatre has been arrested by the police in connection with the assault on doctors and staff at Shastri Nagar Hospital of Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation. Along with him, FIR has also been registered against 5 other people. Tension increased in this municipal hospital located in Thane, Maharashtra on Monday when doctors advised the family of a newborn child to refer the child to a bigger medical center for better treatment.
Controversy started regarding treatment of newborn
According to media reports, it is alleged that there was a debate on this issue and then the matter reached a scuffle. Police say that councilor Mhatre and his supporters allegedly assaulted two doctors and some hospital staff.
Anger increased after the video went viral
As soon as the video of the incident surfaced on social media, people became angry. Doctors and common people demanded increased security in hospitals and strict action against the culprits.
Seeing the increasing pressure, the Indian Medical Association also came into the field. IMA warned that if action is not taken within 24 hours, all private clinics and hospitals in Thane will be closed.
Police made late night arrest
After public pressure and IMA’s protest, the police came into action on Tuesday night. Police registered a case against Mhatre and 5 others and took them into custody. According to officials, interrogation of the accused is ongoing.
Shiv Sena shrugged it off, sent notice
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena has distanced itself from the matter. Thane MP Naresh Mhaske told the media in Delhi that the party does not support the incident. He said, "It was Ramesh Mhatre who did the assault. He may be a senior leader and has won elections 5-6 times, but the party will not tolerate such conduct."
According to the MP, the party has sent a show cause notice to Mhatre. Further disciplinary action will be decided by the Disciplinary Committee. Mhaske made it clear that the party will not interfere in the legal process. "The law will take its course."
Questions on doctors’ safety
After this incident, the issue of safety of doctors in hospitals has once again arisen. Medical staff say that incidents of attacks by relatives of patients are increasing continuously. IMA has demanded the government to increase security guards and CCTV in hospitals. At present, work in the hospital is normal, but doctors have reiterated their demand for concrete action from the administration.
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