In a horror scene that set the country abuzz with outrage, a 77-year-old man was assaulted and sent away from a state hospital in Madhya Pradesh. The video captured by an individual, who was present nearby and widely shared on social media, set off rapid reactions from the health authorities and also the police.

The Incident: The Plea for Emergency Treatment Turned Violent

On 17th April, 2025, Uddhav Singh Joshi, who is a dweller of the Naugaon town, had gone to Chhatarpur District Hospital with his sick wife for treatment. Joshi accused that he was in a queue for quite a long time until he requested for emergency treatment because he was feeling tired and weaker. He is accused of causing a standoff with Dr. Rajesh Mishra, treating him.

Dr. Mishra and a hospital staff member are seen slapping Joshi near his ear and pulling him into the hospital campus on the web video. Joshi also said, "I waited in line for long time after getting the time slot slip. When it was my turn, Dr. Rajesh Mishra protested and slapped and kicked me later on."

Immediate Consequences

The viral clip prompted the authorities to act in a big hurry. National Health Mission Director Saloni Sidana discharged contractual orthopedic physician Dr. Rajesh Mishra from service. Civil Surgeon G.L. Ahirwar was also suspended on charges of inefficiency and misconduct for treating workers at the junior level.

They were also faced with more punitive action, and the removal of Rajendra Khare, a State Red Cross Society employee, who was also charged in the case.

The law-and-order wings were aware of this. A 'zero FIR' was registered by Dr. Mishra at Naugaon police station under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The case is shifted to Chhatarpur's Kotwali police station to probe

Political and Public Outrage

The politicians and the people have responded in anger to the incident. Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Jitu Patwari posted the video on social media, denouncing the act and targeting the healthcare system of the state. He said, "A 75-year-old man was not only punched and kicked by doctors and staff of Chhatarpur District Hospital, but was also pushed and dragged brutally out of the hospital! The only mistake of the old man who had come for the treatment of his wife was that he was unable to wait in the long queue for a long time, so he was requesting his wife's treatment to be completed as early as possible!"

Wider Implications: A Call for Systemic Change

This case has initiated a wider debate regarding patient rights and the behavior of medical doctors employed in state hospitals. The immediate judicial and administrative reaction in this case highlights the importance of accountability and enforcement of patient-centric policies.

Although investigations are underway, the people want to know more about the incident and are demanding changes in the system so that such an incident does not occur again in the future.