Hospital staff protest after doctor, guards assaulted in Chamba

Kullu/Chamba: Three persons were arrested after a woman doctor and security guards were allegedly assaulted by relatives of a patient who died during treatment at the government medical college and hospital in Chamba on Wednesday night.The incident triggered a protest by hospital staff on Thursday, with employees blocking the road outside the hospital and demanding stronger security and a police post on the premises.According to the Faculty Association of the Medical College (FAMC), Chamba, the attackers allegedly targeted Dr Kritika Garg, who was on night duty, after the death of their 62-year-old relative.The association alleged that the men were intoxicated and forced open the door of the minor OT, where the doctor had taken shelter, and also assaulted security personnel and other staff.The protest affected hospital services, with the registration counter remaining shut and ultrasound services disrupted for several hours.The agitation was withdrawn after Chamba SDM Priyanshu Khati assured employees that their demands would be taken up.Police said an FIR was registered after examination of CCTV footage, and a case was lodged under Sections 132 and 121(3) of the BNS.Hospital staff said they had long been demanding a police post and stronger security arrangements at the medical college..