A 26-year-old resident doctor at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay (PDU) Civil Hospital in Rajkot was allegedly abused, slapped, and threatened by a male colleague on Thursday evening, 21 August, following a dispute over the admission of a critically-ill patient. Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya on Friday assured the victim of swift justice and full security, saying the state government had taken the matter 'extremely seriously'.

What Allegedly Happened

The incident reportedly unfolded at around 7:30 pm on Thursday in the emergency ward of PDU Civil Hospital, when an elderly patient in critical condition was brought in for admission. According to a complaint filed by the woman doctor, identified as Krisha Singhala, a disagreement over the patient's admission escalated into a verbal and physical confrontation with a male colleague.

Singhala, a first-year resident doctor in the medicine department with approximately six months of service, was on a 24-hour emergency duty shift at the time of the alleged incident. She has alleged that the male colleague abused, slapped, and threatened her during the altercation.

Protest, Complaint, and Detention

The alleged assault triggered an immediate backlash among junior doctors at the hospital, who staged a late-night protest. The demonstration was called off after a formal complaint was registered against the accused, identified as Ashwin Ramani, at Pradyumnanagar Police Station, following which resident doctors returned to their duties.

Police action intensified on Friday, when Ramani was detained in connection with the complaint. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

What the Minister Said

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said he personally spoke to Singhala by telephone and assured her of 'prompt justice and complete security by the evening.' He stated that the government would not compromise on the dignity of women employees and doctors.

'There will be no compromise whatsoever on the dignity and respect of women employees and doctors. In cases of such misbehaviour, the strictest possible action will be taken against the person found guilty,' Pansheriya said.

Broader Context: Gujarat Hospitals Under Scrutiny

The Rajkot incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of workplace conduct at government hospitals across Gujarat. Earlier in August, allegations of ragging and harassment involving senior doctors at Surat Civil Hospital came under police investigation following the death of resident doctor Harsh Pandya — a case that had already drawn statewide attention to the treatment of junior medical staff.

Notably, this is at least the second high-profile incident of alleged misconduct at a Gujarat government hospital within the same month, raising questions about institutional safeguards for junior doctors. The outcome of the investigation into Ramani's conduct will be closely watched by medical associations and patient-safety advocates alike.

What Happens Next

The complaint and subsequent police investigation will determine the full circumstances and legal liability in the Rajkot case. The Health Minister's assurance of action 'by Friday evening' sets a near-term accountability benchmark. Medical associations have not yet issued a formal statement, but the incident is expected to intensify calls for stronger workplace protection mechanisms in Gujarat's public health facilities.