Doctors, nurses attacked at NRS hospital; ENT residents warn of emergency shutdown

Tension escalated at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata after doctors and nursing staff alleged assault and harassment by a patient’s family inside the ENT emergency department. The incident, which took place late Monday night, has triggered protests among resident doctors, who have warned of suspending emergency services if strict action is not taken.

According to resident doctors, the situation began when a three-year-old child, admitted after swallowing a coin, required surgery under general anaesthesia. Medical protocol required the child to remain without food or water for at least six hours before the procedure. However, the patient’s family allegedly refused to wait and insisted on immediate surgery, leading to a heated confrontation with hospital staff.

Doctors claimed that tensions soon turned violent, with family members verbally abusing staff and physically assaulting security personnel. Around six to seven women reportedly entered the ward and targeted doctors and nurses, while nearly fifteen men allegedly attacked a security guard, tearing his uniform during the scuffle. The incident created panic within the emergency department.

Resident doctors have also accused police of inaction, alleging that officers present at the scene failed to intervene and instead asked the assaulted security guard to apologise. No arrests have been made so far. In response, ENT residents have issued a warning that emergency services may be suspended if immediate and strict action is not taken, raising serious concerns about the safety of healthcare workers.