A disturbing incident unfolded late evening on October 26 at Ahmedabad’s Sola Civil Hospital, where a female resident paediatric doctor is accused of refusing to treat a young child with high fever and respiratory distress and assaulting the child’s father during a confrontation.

The incident, captured on video by the family members, quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability. Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter, suspending the doctor and transferring her to the hospital research wing pending investigation.

The hospital formed a three-member committee to investigate the allegations, while CCTV footage and testimonies are being reviewed to determine the complete context of the event.​

Confrontation at the Paediatric Ward

The episode began when Ajay Chavda brought his niece to the paediatric department around 9 PM, concerned over her high fever and difficulty breathing. After initially finding no doctor present, the family waited until a female doctor arrived. Tensions escalated over a disagreement about the correct placement of a thermometer, which was placed over the child’s T-shirt in the armpit rather than underneath.

The doctor reportedly raised her voice at the family, questioning their knowledge of how to measure temperature properly and insisting the thermometer be placed under the T-shirt. When Ajay’s brother explained that the person who placed the thermometer was hospital staff, the doctor allegedly retorted in a loud voice and admonished them.

The situation deteriorated when Ajay began recording the interaction on his phone. The doctor, visibly angered, reportedly swiped the phone away, causing injury to Ajay’s hand, and then slapped his brother in the stomach during the heated dispute. The doctor subsequently refused to treat the child, accusing the family of misbehaving and telling them to seek help wherever they wanted, including the Chief Minister’s office.

Despite attempts to deescalate the issue, the doctor remained adamant, refusing to attend to the child until formal intervention from senior hospital officials occurred.​

Public Outcry and Official Action

Video footage of the incident, showing the doctor’s confrontation and physical assault on the father, spread rapidly on social media, drawing widespread condemnation from citizens, medical professionals, and advocacy groups. Many criticised the doctor’s unprofessional behaviour and called for strict disciplinary action, including suspension and a review of her medical license.

The Health Minister responded swiftly, directing the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer to initiate a comprehensive investigation and assured the public that appropriate action would be taken based on the inquiry’s findings. The hospital superintendent confirmed the formation of a three-member internal committee tasked with reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing those involved.

The doctor has been transferred to the hospital’s research wing pending the outcome of the probe, and reports suggest she has sought psychiatric care amidst the controversy.​

Background: Challenges in Public Healthcare

This incident adds to ongoing concerns about patient care quality and staff conduct in public hospitals across India. Overburdened facilities often face staff shortages and resource constraints, leading to stressful environments that can strain relationships between patients and healthcare workers. Nevertheless, professional conduct and empathy remain non-negotiable pillars of healthcare practice, especially when treating vulnerable populations such as children.

Previous episodes of discord in public hospitals have highlighted the need for clear protocols to address grievances and ensure respectful communication between staff and patients’ families. The Sola Civil incident has rekindled demands for transparent accountability measures and improved training in patient handling for medical personnel in government institutions.​

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

This incident exposes the urgent need for a medical environment founded on compassion, respect, and trust. Every patient, especially children, deserves timely and dignified treatment regardless of external pressures or disagreements.

While the involved doctor’s conduct calls for thorough scrutiny and accountability, this incident should also prompt reflection on systemic challenges faced by healthcare workers and the mechanisms to support them while safeguarding patient rights.

Educational and institutional reforms fostering dialogue, empathy, and de-escalation techniques can prevent similar distressing situations in the future. As a community dedicated to harmony and positive social change, The Logical Indian encourages thoughtful conversations on how healthcare systems and citizens alike can collaborate to build a culture of mutual respect and effective care. W