A 46-year-old air hostess was allegedly sexually assaulted by hospital staff while unconscious and on a ventilator at a private hospital in Gurugram, police confirmed.
The survivor filed a formal complaint after regaining consciousness, prompting an immediate investigation. Authorities are yet to make arrests but have assured stringent action. The hospital has initiated an internal inquiry, while activists demand systemic reforms to protect vulnerable patients in critical care.
Survivor’s Account and Police Action
The survivor, admitted for a critical illness, reported the alleged assault upon regaining consciousness, stating the incident occurred during her ventilator-dependent state. Gurugram Police spokesperson Subhash Boken confirmed, “A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under Sections 376 (rape) and 354 (assault) of the Indian Penal Code.
Forensic teams are analysing CCTV footage from the ICU and cross-referencing staff duty logs.” Medical records indicate the survivor was under heavy sedation, raising questions about access protocols for incapacitated patients. The hospital administration released a brief statement: “We are cooperating fully with authorities and conducting an internal review to ensure accountability.”
Systemic Vulnerabilities in Healthcare
This incident highlights glaring gaps in safety measures for sedated patients. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals a 22% rise in complaints of harassment in healthcare settings between 2020 and 2022, with most cases involving vulnerable patients.
“Hospitals lack gender-sensitive protocols, such as mandatory female staff presence during intimate procedures or third-party audits of ICUs,” said Dr. Ranjana Kumari, a public health advocate.
The absence of real-time surveillance in critical care units further exacerbates risks, as seen in a 2023 Delhi case where a comatose patient reported similar abuse.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we stand firmly with survivors and urge institutions to prioritise patient safety over reputational damage. This alleged assault underscores the urgent need for transparent accountability mechanisms, including independent oversight committees and trauma-informed grievance redressal systems.
As a society, we must confront uncomfortable truths about power imbalances in caregiving environments. How can we collectively reimagine healthcare spaces to ensure dignity and security for all? Share your ideas for fostering trust and empathy in critical care settings.
