Mumbai: In a shocking incident, a newly appointed doctor at a prominent Hospital here was recently suspended after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 44-year-old male COVID-19 patient in the ICU.
The case is reported as inappropriate touching. Based on the complaint filed by the hospital authorities, the Mumbai Police registered a case against the doctor.
According to recent media accounts, the accused, an MD medico, had joined the hospital a day before the alleged incident took place around 9.30 am on May 1 (Friday). He was appointed under a policy decision to let doctors above 60 years of age and with co-morbidities stay at home, and instead recruit young doctors amid coronavirus as seniors are more susceptible to the infection.
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The complaint states that the accused entered the patient's room in the ICU on the hospital's 10th floor on May 1. It states the accused made physical advances that the patient tried to resist. "The patient raised an alarm when the doctor assaulted him and staffers who were stationed outside went inside the room," said an officer informed the Indian Express.
The patient then informed hospital authorities about the incident. "The hospital took a decision to inform both the police and BMC," an official said.
Meanwhile, the hospital has sacked its new employee as per protocols on grounds of misconduct.
"The doctor was on his first day of duty, having joined the previous day. Following the receipt of information of misconduct and as per protocol, the administration immediately informed the police. The services of the doctor were terminated," Wockhardt said in a statement on May 3rd.
Following a complaint lodged by the hospital, the Agripada police have booked the accused and further action will be initiated after he is cleared from quarantine, reports IANS.
Police have registered a case under IPC sections 377 (unnatural offences), 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of diseases endangering life) and 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of diseases endangering life).
Agripada police said that though they have registered a case against the 34-year-old medico, he has not been questioned or arrested as he may be infected, but has been sent to home quarantine in Thane where his movements are under observation.
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