Kalyan: A young doctor who just started her career has been left traumatised by the assault at the civic-run Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli and is contemplating quitting her job, according to her family.Dr Shrushti Baviskar, who joined the hospital in her first posting a month ago, was seen in CCTV footage being attacked by Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre.Dr Baviskar’s father, Mahendra Baviskar, told TOI on Wednesday that the manner in which doctors and nurses were assaulted had deeply disturbed the family and shaken her confidence. He expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in lodging the FIR. “The attack showed a complete disregard for the law. Such incidents should not happen to healthcare workers who are only performing their duties.”“She is frightened. She keeps wondering whether she should continue working at the hospital because those who attacked her may target her again,” said Dr Baviskar’s mother, Sangeeta.Dr Vaibhav Salunkhe, based on whose complaint the FIR was filed, is also worried about his safety, said hospital sources. A nurse who was assaulted is yet to resume duty, said colleagues.Dr Sadia Pinjari, the hospital’s chief medical officer, said there is an atmosphere of fear among staffers. “Our doctors and nursing staff want adequate security arrangements while on duty so that they can discharge their responsibilities without fear. It is important that healthcare workers feel safe in their workplace.”Dr Jitendra Gupta, a family friend of Dr Baviskar, said the attack has highlighted the challenges faced by doctors in civic hospitals. “KDMC hospitals are already grappling with a shortage of doctors while the patient load continues to rise. Doctors are working under tremendous pressure every day. If they are subjected to physical assault while performing their duties, it will become extremely difficult for them to work fearlessly and provide quality patient care.”
