Woman, newborn die; docs attacked; services hit

Patient services were severely hit after doctors at BMC-run VN Desai Hospital in Santacruz refused to work on Wednesday following the November 11 incident where a patient's relatives physically manhandled doctors and nurses after both mother and child died during birth.

While the Vakola police filed a case against 27 people for attacking medical staff at V N Desai Hospital, doctors informed the medical superintendent that they will continue the protest till the administration takes some concrete decision regarding stepping up safety.

"We have cancelled the elective surgeries. We are doing the emergency surgeries and taking care of patients who are admitted," said a doctor.

However, Dr Jairaj Acharya, medical superintendent, who has been holding discussions to address security concerns for the hospital staff, said the doctors have refused emergency services too.

"We are managing the emergency service with medical officers and referring patients to other hospitals. Admitted patients are looked at by the protesting doctors," he said.