Two doctors were assaulted at United Hospital in Mahabubnagar late on Monday, July 14, after the death of a reportedly terminally ill patient triggered violence within the premises. The incident has sparked outrage among the medical fraternity, with calls for immediate legal action and stronger protection mechanisms for healthcare workers.
According to hospital authorities, the patient had been admitted in a critical condition with advanced cervical cancer and bilateral renal failure. She was also suffering from urinary retention and displayed extremely poor clinical indicators. Despite sustained efforts by the emergency medical team to stabilise her condition, the woman succumbed to her illness later that night. Hospital sources stated that her prognosis, complications, and medical limitations had been clearly communicated to the family beforehand.
Tensions flared when the news of her death was formally conveyed. A mob soon gathered at the hospital and turned violent, attacking staff and destroying property. Amith Mankal, one of the attending doctors, was physically assaulted during the chaos. His shirt was torn and his mobile phone, which contained video recordings of counselling sessions with the patient’s family, was snatched. Hospital records, including case sheets and consent forms, were damaged in the violence.
Rammohan, President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Palamuru and Vice President of IMA Telangana, was also targeted during the attack. According to IMA members, he was beaten with footwear in full view of hospital staff and bystanders. The hospital management has lodged a formal police complaint, and an investigation is currently underway.
Condemning the assault, the IMA Palamuru chapter has demanded legal action against those involved. The association has called for the attackers to be booked under the Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, a special law meant to deter violence against healthcare workers. It has also urged the State government to ensure proper security measures at both public and private hospitals.
On July 16, a delegation from IMA Telangana visited Mahabubnagar to attend Praja Charcha Sabha Vedika, a public forum hosted by the local chapter. Addressing the gathering, IMA Telangana President Dwarkanath Reddy described the incident as a grim reminder of the vulnerability faced by doctors today. “There are many reasons why a patient dies, especially in terminal cases. Doctors work under immense pressure and with limited options. No doctor treats a patient with the intention of causing harm. This violence should serve as a wake-up call to society. Those responsible must be held accountable,” he said.
V. Ashok, General Secretary of IMA Telangana, appealed to the public to seek redress through legal means rather than resort to violence. “We are not above accountability. If anyone feels medical care was inadequate, there are courts, there are legal forums. But don’t raise your hand against us,” he said.
