IMA Denounces Brutal Stabbing of Oncologist on Duty in Chennai: Calls for Stronger Security for Medical Professionals
In a shocking incident that has rocked the medical community, Dr. Balaji, an onco-surgeon in Chennai, was brutally attacked while on duty. The doctor was stabbed seven times by the son of a patient who had passed away from stage IV ovarian cancer. Following a challenging stabilization process, Dr. Balaji is currently in recovery, although he suffered significant blood loss due to his use of anticoagulants.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has condemned the assault, calling for urgent government action to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals across the country. “No amount of superficial damage control is enough,” an IMA spokesperson declared. “Doctors in this country need a workplace where they can perform their duties without fear.” The IMA stressed the immediate need for stringent laws, exemplary punishments, and proactive safety protocols to protect doctors from such violent incidents.
The incident has sparked deep concerns within the medical fraternity, which is increasingly frustrated by recurring violence against healthcare providers. The IMA emphasized that only a thorough reform of hospital security measures will restore trust among medical professionals, who continue to serve under considerable threat. “The nation owes its doctors this commitment to safety,” the association asserted, urging the government to prioritize these measures before more lives are put at risk.
The attack on Dr. Balaji serves as a grim reminder of the challenges facing India’s healthcare workers, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive legislation and support systems to protect those who dedicate their lives to saving others.