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The recent stabbing of a government doctor in Chennai has sparked a heated debate about law and order in the state, with opposition parties targeting the ruling DMK for its perceived failures in maintaining security. The incident, which took place at the Kalaignar Centenary Super-Speciality Hospital in Guindy, saw an assailant posing as a patient attack Dr. Balaji Jaganathan, an oncologist, with a kitchen knife, inflicting multiple injuries. This incident comes amidst a nationwide call by doctors for stricter security measures at hospitals, fueled by the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata.
The BJP, a vocal critic of the DMK government, was quick to seize upon the incident. State BJP chief K. Annamalai accused the DMK of inaction despite repeated assaults on medical professionals, stating that the government's promises of action have not materialized into tangible results. He further argued that the incident raises serious questions about public safety in the state. National secretary of the BJP, H. Raja, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the DMK's consistent failure to implement concrete preventive measures, leaving medical personnel vulnerable to such attacks. Meanwhile, BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan pointed out the disparity in the response of the CM and his deputy, questioning why only Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the injured doctor.
The AIADMK also joined the chorus of criticism, accusing the DMK of failing to maintain law and order in the state. Former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami cited multiple recent incidents involving similar crimes, arguing that the DMK government has created an environment where heinous crimes can be committed without fear. He highlighted the attack on a government doctor in Trichy ESI Hospital just days earlier, further emphasizing the vulnerability of medical professionals even within government hospitals. Former Tamil Nadu minister and AIADMK leader C. Vijayabaskar echoed these concerns, stating that the incident was clearly a well-planned assault and that the Leader of the Opposition had repeatedly warned the CM and health minister about the lack of law and order in Tamil Nadu.
While the DMK expressed shock over the incident and assured swift action, with CM Stalin directing a detailed inquiry and necessary medical treatment for the injured doctor, opposition parties remained unconvinced. The accusations from the BJP and AIADMK highlight the growing public concern over the perceived decline in law and order in Tamil Nadu and the vulnerability of medical professionals in the face of escalating violence. This incident has amplified the need for comprehensive security measures in hospitals and a stronger legislative framework to protect medical personnel across the country.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) condemned the brutal attack and issued a strong call for immediate action. They demanded strong legislation, exemplary punishments, and proactive safety measures to protect doctors. The IMA emphasized that superficial damage control by governments is insufficient to address the escalating violence against medical professionals. They argued that only a comprehensive overhaul of security atmosphere in hospitals can restore the confidence of doctors and ensure their safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for a collaborative effort between governments and medical bodies to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals across the country.
Source: 'No law and order': BJP, AIADMK attack ruling DMK after government doctor stabbed in Chennai