Ulhasnagar: Following a patient’s death, his relatives allegedly vandalised the govt Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar and assaulted staff members in the early hours of Thursday. The incident prompted doctors and hospital employees to launch a “work boycott” protest demanding strict action against the accused and enhanced police security on the hospital premises.The Central police later registered an FIR against three relatives of the deceased patient, Bhagwan Nimbore (42). They have been identified as Bhagwan’s wife Asha Nimbore, and two relatives, Mangesh Nimbore and Shivam Nimbore.According to police, Bhagwan was admitted to Central Hospital late on Wednesday night by his relatives after his condition turned critical. Despite treatment, he died around 1 am.Police said that after learning of his death, the patient’s relatives allegedly became aggressive, vandalised hospital property and assaulted hospital staff members. The sudden violence created panic among doctors, nurses and other employees present at the hospital.The deceased patient’s family members alleged negligence in treatment by the hospital. They alleged the doctors failed to provide proper medical care, which led to the patient’s death.Reacting to the allegations, Central Hospital dean Dr Manohar Bansode said the patient was already in a critical condition when brought to the hospital. “The patient’s organs, including the liver and kidneys, were not functioning properly. He was an alcoholic and was already serious when admitted. If he had been shifted elsewhere, there was a possibility of him dying on the way. Our doctors made every possible effort to save him, but unfortunately he could not survive. We doctors are also saddened by the death, but vandalism in the hospital and assault on staff cannot be justified,” Bansode said.Following the incident, angry doctors and hospital staff staged a protest and temporarily boycotted work, alleging that incidents of abuse, threats and assault by patients’ relatives have become frequent at the hospital. They demanded immediate police action against those involved and permanent police protection at the hospital to ensure the safety of medical staff.The protest led to concern among patients and visitors at the hospital, while police personnel were deployed on the premises to maintain law and order.Amid the escalating situation, Ulhasnagar mayor Ashwini Nikam also reached the hospital and held discussions with protesting doctors and staff members. She assured them that strict action would be taken against the accused relatives and that steps would be initiated to improve security arrangements at the hospital.Following the assurance from police and civic authorities, the doctors and hospital staff later withdrew their protest and resumed work.Police said further investigation into the incident is underway.
