Patient shot dead inside ward of Delhi’s GTB Hospital, doctors announce strike over lax security
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The victim, Riyazuddin, had been admitted to the hospital on June 23 and was undergoing treatment for abdominal infection, according to police.
A 32-year-old man was shot dead by an unidentified person inside a ward of the GTB Hospital here on Sunday, police said.
The victim, Riyazuddin, had been admitted to the hospital on June 23 and was undergoing treatment for abdominal infection, according to police.
The incident took place in Ward Number 24 of the hospital, they said. There was one shooter, they added. Riyazuddin later died of the gunshot wound, police said.
“The PCR call regarding the incident in Ward No. 24 was received at the GTB Enclave police station,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary said.
“On reaching the spot, police found that a patient, namely Riyazuddin, received injury. He was later declared dead by doctors,” he said.
The officer said around 4 pm, an 18-year-old man came inside the ward and fired at Riyazuddin.
“Case is being registered and teams have been formed to nab the culprit. Prima facie, the matter seems to be of personal enmity,” the DCP said.
In the wake of the shooting, the Residents’ Doctors Association (RDA) of the medical facility went on an indefinite strike in protest.
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said a security review of all hospitals will be carried out and no negligence will be tolerated.
An official from the hospital said a few people shoved the doctor entering the ward, shot the patient and fled.
“Nobody else was injured. SHO of GTB Enclave, ACP and Crime Branch officers reached the crime scene after being informed by the CMO on duty,” an official statement of the GTB hospital read.
A nurse, who was on duty and requested anonymity, said the teenager entered the ward at 3.59 pm and asked everyone to remain calm and not raise alarm.
“He took out a pistol which he had concealed behind, shot the patient and ran away,” she said.
The nurse said the sound of the gunshot drew a crowd outside the ward and one of them informed the police about the matter. “It was scary for everyone who were inside the ward.”
The hospital RDA in a statement announced indefinite strike citing safety concerns.
“In response to a recent tragic incident within our hospital premises, where a patient was shot dead, the RDA has made the decision to commence an indefinite strike, from Monday,” the statement read.
“This decision comes after repeated concerns regarding the safety and security of our workplace, which have not been adequately addressed by the Delhi Government.
“Despite previous appeals for enhanced security measures, the unfortunate event underscores a critical failure in ensuring a secure environment for both patients and healthcare providers,” it added.
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