Chennai Doctor Stabbed by Patient’s Son: Attack Sparks Concerns Over Doctor Safety

Incident at Kalaignar Centenary Hospital

In a shocking incident at Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital in Chennai, Dr. Balaji Jagannath, an oncologist and teacher, was stabbed multiple times by a man named Vignesh. The attacker, a patient attendant at the hospital, had been concerned that the doctor had prescribed incorrect medication for his mother, who was undergoing cancer treatment. Suspecting malpractice, Vignesh attacked Dr. Balaji in the hospital.

The Attack and the Aftermath

A disturbing video surfaced shortly after the incident, showing Vignesh calmly walking away after the attack. He discarded the knife and attempted to clean the blood off the blade before throwing it aside. As the crowd shouted, “He cut him up,” the hospital security quickly restrained the attacker. Despite the commotion, Vignesh argued, “What if your mother or father were in trouble,” before being subdued by security and handed over to the police.

Dr. Balaji, who has a pacemaker, suffered injuries to his forehead, back, ear, and stomach. Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister, Ma Subramanian, confirmed that Dr. Balaji’s condition is stable, and he is currently in the ICU.

Government Response and Concerns Over Safety

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has ordered an investigation into the attack and pledged measures to improve the safety of doctors. This incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about the security of healthcare professionals, following similar attacks on doctors in recent months, including the tragic death of a doctor in Kolkata earlier this year. The government has assured that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.