Darjeeling, Oct. 22 -- A 21 year-old patient allegedly turned violent inside the Critical Care Unit (CCU) of Darjeeling District Hospital, assaulting on duty medical staff and damaging hospital property, prompting the hospital authorities to seek police intervention. A female nurse and a female General Duty Assistant (GDA) were critically injured and are admitted at the CCU.

As per sources, Sajal Rai, was admitted to CCU bed number 7 on October 18 with acute gastroenteritis, dysentery and suspected sepsis. At around 1.30 am on October 21, when the patient suddenly turned violent and physically assaulted the on-duty staff nurse and a female Group D staff member, causing serious injuries.

As the CCU gate was locked from inside, and with the victims in no position to unlock it during the assault, the situation was brought under control with the intervention of police and security with the gate being forced open. The patient was then stabilised and later shifted to the Male Medical Ward. The complaint further stated that several items inside the CCU were damaged during the incident.

In a letter dated October 21, hospital authorities lodged a complaint at the Darjeeling Sadar Police Station about the incident and requested necessary legal action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Copies of the letter were also forwarded to the Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling and health authorities.

The two health staff in their mid 40s have suffered injuries on their face, head, eye, ears with heavy swelling. The patient has been discharged. Such violent symptoms are usually not seen in patients suffering from dehydration, acute gastroenteritis and dysentery, claim medical experts but in cases of substance abuse, they have opined.

"An investigation is on and we are keeping a close watch on the patient," stated Sowhik Majumdar, inspector in-charge, Darjeeling Sadar Police Station.

Political parties have demanded the immediate arrest of the accused. "Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front stands firmly with the nurses and demands justice. The culprit must face strict action under the law for assaulting these two nurses. The Darjeeling Hills will not tolerate such acts," stated Ajoy Edwards of the IGJF.

"There has to be an inquiry into the incident and legal action needs to be taken accordingly. Security needs to be beefed up in the Hospital premises," stated Noman Rai, MLA, Darjeeling.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.