Guwahati, September 23: Tensions escalated late on September 22 at Shri Shri Pitambar Dev Goswami Civil Hospital in Gormur, Majuli, after the death of a 74-year-old cancer patient, Digen Halder, led to a violent altercation between the patient’s relatives and hospital staff. The incident unfolded after Halder, who was in critical condition, passed away during treatment, sparking outrage from his family.
According to an ICU technician, the medical team made every effort to stabilize the patient, but he passed away as they were administering saline infusion. “The relatives turned violent as soon as the patient died,” the technician shared. “They attacked me, hitting me with sandals and a mobile phone, and dragged me from the ICU to the Emergency unit.”
The attack left several hospital staff members traumatized, with doctors and nurses fearing for their safety. “They didn’t give us a chance to explain that the patient had passed away. The relatives were unwilling to cooperate and chased us, severely assaulting two of our nurses,” recounted one nurse. Medical equipment in the ICU was also vandalized during the chaos, adding further distress to other patients in the hospital.
Local law enforcement quickly intervened, detaining three of the patient’s relatives for their involvement in the attack. This incident has reignited concerns about the safety and security of healthcare workers, highlighting the increasing risks they face in emotionally charged situations.