CHENNAI: A government doctor at Chennai’s Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital (KCSSH) was brutally attacked by a patient’s family member on Wednesday morning. Dr. Balaji Jagannath, a medical oncologist, was stabbed multiple times in the neck, upper chest, ear, and scalp while attending to patients in the outpatient department (OPD). The doctor, who is also a heart patient, sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the ICU for emergency surgery. Hospital sources have reported that his condition has stabilized after the surgery.
The attacker, identified as Vignesh from Perungalathur, reportedly posed as a hospital employee to enter the Oncology Department. He had an outpatient pass and was accompanied by three others. The attack stemmed from a dispute over the treatment of Vignesh’s mother, Prema, a cancer patient under Dr. Jagannath’s care. Vignesh and his family accused the doctor of negligence in her treatment, blaming him for her deteriorating condition. After a heated argument, Vignesh attacked Dr. Jagannath with a concealed kitchen knife.
Witnesses rushed to the doctor’s aid, and Vignesh attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by hospital staff and handed over to the police. Four other individuals have been detained for questioning. The incident has raised concerns about hospital security. Health Minister Ma Subramanian defended the security measures, noting that private guards patrol the facility while the police secure the perimeter, though an inquiry has been ordered into the matter.
In response to the attack, Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned the incident, describing it as “shocking” and promising swift action. He assured that the necessary treatment would be provided to Dr. Jagannath and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of medical professionals. The Service and PG Doctors Association condemned the assault, calling for stringent action against the attacker. In protest, doctors at KCSSH went on a flash strike, suspending non-emergency services until better security measures are implemented to protect medical staff.
