An Indian doctor has come under intense scrutiny after a viral video allegedly showed him physically assaulting a critically ill patient on his hospital bed at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, in northern India.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday and involved a patient identified as Arjun Panwar, who had been admitted for medical tests after experiencing severe breathing difficulties.
According to reports, including Mail Online, Mr Panwar had just undergone a bronchoscopy and was struggling to breathe when the altercation began. He alleged that the doctor spoke to him rudely and aggressively without provocation, prompting him to ask to be addressed respectfully.
“I had just undergone a bronchoscopy and was struggling to breathe. When I asked for oxygen, the doctor questioned my admission status,” Mr Panwar said.
He explained that the situation escalated after he requested respectful communication. “I asked him to speak to me properly, but he became confrontational. When I asked if he spoke to his family that way, he accused me of getting ‘personal’ and then started hitting me,” he added.
Footage of the alleged assault has since circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage. Following the incident, a large crowd reportedly gathered at the hospital, demanding disciplinary action against the doctor involved.
In response, the management of IGMC Shimla has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident. The hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr Rahul Rao, confirmed that the committee has begun its work and is expected to submit its findings soon.
Dr Rao also disclosed that a formal police complaint has been lodged against the doctor, as investigations continue.
