Baragada, July 20: An on-duty doctor at the Baragada Community Health Centre (CHC) sustained serious head injuries after he was allegedly assaulted by a patient’s attendant in the early hours of Monday, sparking renewed concerns over the safety and security of healthcare professionals in government hospitals.

The injured doctor, Dr. Sudipta Kumar Raut, a medicine specialist, was attending patients during his night shift when the incident took place at around 2:00 AM.

According to hospital sources, the accused, identified as Vicky Singh, a resident of Ward No. 14 in Baragada town, had brought a child to the hospital with complaints of chest pain. After examining the child, Dr. Raut prescribed medicines and instructed the nursing staff to administer an injection in the ward.

Shortly afterwards, the attendant reportedly requested the doctor to check his own blood pressure. When Dr. Raut asked him to wait for a few minutes until the child’s treatment was completed, the attendant allegedly became aggressive and attacked the doctor with a stool, causing severe injuries to his head.

Following the assault, Dr. Raut received immediate medical attention. Hospital authorities said he also experienced vomiting after the incident and is being shifted to a higher healthcare facility for specialised treatment.

Baragada CHC Medical Officer Dr. Sarada Prasad Nayak said he rushed to the hospital after receiving information about the attack and subsequently lodged a complaint with the police.

The incident has drawn sharp reactions from the medical fraternity, with doctors once again demanding stronger security arrangements in government healthcare institutions. Medical professionals said repeated incidents of violence against healthcare workers have created an atmosphere of fear, affecting their ability to provide patient care.

Following the complaint, personnel from the Baragada Town Police Station reached the hospital, detained the accused, and registered a case. An investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances leading to the assault.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over the safety of doctors and healthcare workers while performing their duties, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security measures in government hospitals across the state.