Patient attendant attacks NIMS Hyderabad security guard, threatens doctors and healthcare staff

A security personnel was allegedly assaulted at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad in the early hours of Monday after the attendant of a patient who was brought to the Emergency Department with no signs of life abused and threatened doctors and other healthcare workers.

The incident occurred at around 12.30 a.m. on August 31 in the Red Triage area of the NIMS Emergency Department. The NIMS Resident Doctors Association (RDA), in a statement, said the doctors on duty attended to the patient appropriately and there was no reported delay or lapse in medical care by the treating team.

“Despite this, the patient’s attendant allegedly subjected doctors and healthcare workers to repeated verbal abuse and threatening behaviour, including the use of vulgar language. The person also reportedly attempted to intimidate the healthcare team by claiming to have political connections and influence,” the statement said.

The incident escalated when the individual was permitted to proceed towards the first floor and where he physically assaulted and injured a security personnel.

The NIMS RDA condemned the incident as a serious threat to the safety and dignity of healthcare workers. The association also raised concerns over the adequacy and responsiveness of security arrangements inside the Emergency Department. “Aggressive individuals must be identified, controlled and removed from critical patient-care areas immediately, with police intervention wherever necessary,” they added.

The RDA has called on the NIMS administration to conduct an immediate formal inquiry into the incident and preserve and review all relevant CCTV footage. It has also sought proper documentation and medical evaluation of the injured security personnel, along with appropriate police and medico-legal action.

Among its key demands, the association has sought an inquiry into the reported security lapse and immediate strengthening of security arrangements in the Emergency Department, particularly the Red Triage area.