Miscreants attack relative of patient at SSKM hospital amid junior doctors protests

On Sunday morning, a shocking incident unfolded at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata when a group of 15 to 20 miscreants, armed with hockey sticks and wickets, stormed the premises. They targeted a patient’s relative, Saurabh Modak, who sustained severe head injuries during the brutal assault. This violent act has raised serious concerns about the security of healthcare facilities, especially amid ongoing protests by junior doctors advocating for improved safety measures across government hospitals.

Witnesses reported that the attackers arrived on motorbikes and entered the trauma care center around 8 a.m. They forcibly dragged Modak outside and began beating him mercilessly, resulting in significant injuries. Panic ensued as patients and their families witnessed the violence, with many left in tears. Disturbingly, police officers who were present at the hospital during the attack did not intervene, leading to widespread criticism from hospital staff and the junior medical community.

The motivation behind the assault appears to be linked to ongoing disputes between rival groups, although the specific reasons for targeting Modak remain unclear. Following the attack, Modak was treated in the trauma unit where he was assaulted, receiving multiple stitches and undergoing CT scans to assess the extent of his injuries. Reports indicate that he suffered a severe head injury, raising concerns about potential long-term effects.

This incident comes at a time of heightened tension among junior doctors, who have been staging protests demanding better security measures to protect healthcare workers and patients alike. The protests intensified following the attack, as some doctors participating in a hunger strike reported deteriorating health, with three doctors, being hospitalized due to severe health issues.