The alleged assault on doctors and hospital staff at KDMC’s Shastrinagar Hospital has continued to reverberate across Maharashtra’s medical fraternity, with a resident medical officer resigning from his post, citing fear and concerns for his safety following the incident.
The 26-year-old doctor, who had been working as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) at the civic hospital, reportedly submitted his resignation days after the alleged attack involving Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and his associates. According to reports, several other hospital employees also tendered their resignations in the aftermath of the violence.
The doctor is reported to have stayed away from work since the incident, claiming that he has been receiving threatening calls and messages from unknown individuals. Concerned about his safety, he has allegedly been shifting locations and has decided not to return to the hospital.
According to media reports, the doctor has also chosen not to inform his mother, a school teacher and his only immediate family member, about the incident, fearing the emotional impact it could have on her.
Hospital records indicate that the doctor, a native of Maharashtra’s Washim district, had completed his BAMS degree and joined the KDMC-run Shastrinagar Hospital only a few months ago.
The incident has also left other healthcare professionals deeply shaken. Another doctor allegedly assaulted during the episode is said to be traumatised after the incident, which occurred during the early days of her medical career. Family members have described the attack as a serious blow to the confidence and morale of young doctors entering public service.
The assault triggered widespread protests by doctors and medical associations, with healthcare professionals demanding stronger security arrangements and strict legal action against those responsible. Routine medical services at several private hospitals in the Kalyan-Dombivli region were also affected as doctors observed a protest following the incident.
Police have registered a case in connection with the alleged assault, and multiple accused, including corporator Ramesh Mhatre and several of his associates, have been arrested as the investigation continues.
Medical associations have maintained that ensuring the safety of healthcare workers is essential for the uninterrupted functioning of public health services and have urged the authorities to take stringent measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
