Reported by Armin Sultana
Guwahati: Doctors at Apollo Hospital Guwahati reportedly abstained from attending Outpatient Department (OPD) services and elective surgeries for two days while continuing emergency medical services, in protest over the alleged humiliation of a senior doctor by a junior-ranking member of the hospital management.
According to sources, the incident triggered widespread resentment among the hospital’s medical fraternity, who viewed it as an issue of professional dignity and respect.
The matter was reportedly escalated through internal channels, reaching senior management levels in Kolkata and Chennai.
As a mark of protest, doctors collectively decided to suspend OPD consultations and elective surgical procedures for two consecutive days.
However, emergency services remained operational throughout the period to ensure that critically ill patients continued to receive treatment.
Sources said the identity of the senior doctor involved has not been disclosed. The alleged incident has sparked concern among medical professionals, with many describing the situation as unprecedented in the city’s healthcare sector.
“This is a very sad state of affairs. Have you ever heard of anything like this in the last three decades?” a source familiar with the developments said.
Several doctors reportedly expressed concern over maintaining professional autonomy, mutual respect, and a healthy working environment within medical institutions.
Some sources have additionally raised allegations regarding administrative pressure and diagnostic practices within the hospital. However, these claims remain unverified, and no independent confirmation was available at the time of filing this report.
Medical experts note that diagnostic investigations are generally prescribed based on clinical evaluation and patient-specific requirements, and the appropriateness of such tests can vary significantly depending on the medical condition involved.
Hospital authorities and medical staff are understood to have held discussions following the incident.
However, no official statement has yet been issued by Apollo Hospital Guwahati regarding the alleged humiliation of the senior doctor or the subsequent protest by medical personnel.
Efforts to obtain a response from the hospital management were ongoing at the time of publication.