Three held for rampage at BIMS hosp; docs stage protest demanding safety

Belagavi: Three persons have been arrested by APMC police in connection with the rampage near the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) here on Wednesday night.

A search is on to trace other accused who indulged in setting ablaze an ambulance as well as pelting stones on the facility and vehicles parked outside.

The incident occurred following the death of a 55-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital on July 19 for treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI). The patient, who tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday died while he was being shifted to Intensive Care Unit for treatment of respiratory problems.

His relatives alleged medical negligence and got into a verbal spat with hospital authorities. After coming out of the building they pelted stones on the facility and vehicles parked outside. They also set the ambulance parked outside on fire.

A police personnel and five other hospital staff suffered injuries in the incident.

The situation was brought under control following police intervention. Later, district Deputy Commissioner M G Hiremath visited the spot and issued prohibitory orders in the areas surrounding the BIMS hospital.

Meanwhile the healthcare personnel at BIMS hospital staged a protest before the administrative block on Thursday demanding safety and security for them.