Doctors in shock after duty doctor stabbed at Kalaignar Centenary Hospital in Chennai

In a shocking incident, a duty doctor at the Kalaignar Centenary Hospital in Chennai was stabbed by an attacker on the night of November 12, 2024. The victim, Dr. Balaji, was on duty at the emergency ward when the assault took place. The attacker, reportedly a relative of a patient, approached Dr. Balaji under the pretext of seeking medical attention, but suddenly lunged at him with a sharp object.
Dr. Balaji, who sustained multiple stab wounds, was immediately rushed to the hospital’s own emergency care unit. His condition was stabilized, but he remains under observation. The police have launched an investigation into the motive behind the attack, with initial reports suggesting that the assailant was upset over the treatment provided to his relative.
In response to the attack, Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, visited the Guindy hospital where Dr. Balaji was being treated. Expressing concern over the safety of medical professionals, Udhayanidhi assured the medical community that the government would take swift action to ensure their protection. He condemned the violence against healthcare workers, emphasizing that such incidents would not be tolerated.
“We will strengthen security measures at hospitals and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of doctors and other healthcare staff,” Udhayanidhi stated during his visit. He also met with the doctors’ union representatives and expressed solidarity with them in the wake of the attack.
The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of healthcare workers, who are often exposed to violent situations while carrying out their duties. Authorities are now investigating the motive behind the attack and are increasing security at hospitals across the city to prevent further incidents.