Medical services in government hospitals across Haryana have taken a major hit today as doctors suspended OPD services statewide. The strike comes as a strong protest against the alleged assault on a Medical Officer by a Station House Officer (SHO) in Gharaunda. While the authorities have suspended the accused police officer, the medical associations are refusing to return to work until a formal criminal case is registered. Patients visiting civil hospitals are being turned away, although emergency services remain operational.
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What happened between the Police and the Doctor?
The conflict began on Wednesday evening during Holi celebrations. Dr. Prashant Chauhan, posted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Gharaunda, was allegedly assaulted by Inspector Deepak and other police personnel. Reports indicate that the doctor was taken to the police station, where he was allegedly detained illegally for an hour.
The situation escalated after CCTV footage of the incident went viral on social media. The video reportedly shows the police officer slapping the doctor and dragging him by the collar into a police vehicle. The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) stated that the doctor was intimidated and forced to sign an apology under pressure, which sparked anger among the medical community across the state.
What are the doctors demanding now?
The doctors’ association has made it clear that the strike will continue until their specific demands are met. The HCMSA and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have put forward the following requirements for ending the protest:
- Registration of FIR: A case must be filed against Inspector Deepak under the Haryana Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2009.
- Immediate Arrest: The police personnel involved in the assault must be arrested.
- Fair Probe: A time-bound inquiry into the matter to ensure justice for the victim.
Currently, the administration has suspended SHO Deepak and attached him to the police lines. A departmental inquiry has been assigned to a DSP, and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate is also probing the matter. However, the Superintendent of Police, Narender Bijarniya, stated that an FIR would only be registered after the inquiry report is submitted.
