Patient's son stabs doctor 7 times inside hospital

In a shocking incident at Chennai's Kalaignar Centenary Hospital, Dr. Balaji Jaganathan, a government doctor, was stabbed seven times by a patient's son. The attack occurred on Wednesday while Dr. Balaji was on duty in the cancer ward, where the accused’s mother was receiving treatment. Currently, the doctor is in the ICU with serious injuries to his neck, ear, forehead, back, and stomach.

The attacker, identified as Vignesh, is a Chennai resident whose mother was undergoing chemotherapy at the hospital. According to reports, Vignesh was frustrated with what he perceived as inadequate treatment for his mother, leading him to confront and ultimately assault Dr. Balaji. Following the attack, Vignesh attempted to escape but was quickly apprehended and handed over to police authorities.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned the incident, describing it as a serious threat to healthcare professionals who provide critical services to the public. "The selfless work of our government doctors in treating patients is immeasurable, and ensuring their safety is paramount," Stalin stated in a social media post. He further assured that a detailed investigation into the incident was underway, promising measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

State Health Minister Ma Subramanian also expressed his dismay over the attack, emphasizing that swift action would be taken to ensure accountability and safety in hospitals across the state. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting healthcare workers.

The incident has sparked a wave of outrage across the state, with medical professionals and politicians alike calling for stronger security measures in hospitals. BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan expressed deep concern over the attack, highlighting the increasing dangers faced by government doctors. In a post on social media, she wrote, "Doctors treat all patients with equal care and empathy, often feeling the struggles of patients’ families themselves. It’s disheartening to see doctors facing such threats. The Tamil Nadu government must ensure that doctors are protected."

The stabbing incident has drawn attention to the urgent need for enhanced security and support for healthcare professionals working in government hospitals, who often handle critical cases under challenging conditions. Medical associations in Tamil Nadu are now urging the state government to implement strict safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As Dr. Balaji remains under close medical supervision, the healthcare community in Chennai and across the state hopes for his swift recovery and an end to such violent incidents in hospitals.