A doctor specialising in oncology was critically injured on Wednesday after being stabbed at Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital (KCSSH) in Guindy, Chennai. The attack, allegedly carried out by a relative of a patient, has sparked strong reactions and protests from medical professionals over safety and staffing conditions in government hospitals.Dr Balaji Jagannath was on duty in the hospital’s oncology department when he was approached by the accused, Vignesh, 26, of Perungalathur. According to local police, Vignesh and three friends entered the hospital around 10.30 am to meet Vignesh’s mother, who is undergoing cancer treatment. Once inside, the group allegedly engaged in a heated dispute with Dr Jagannath over the woman’s deteriorating condition, with Vignesh accusing the doctor of negligence.According to the police, Vignesh allegedly drew a kitchen knife and attacked Dr Jagannath, stabbing him in the neck and also inflicting injuries to his head and upper body. Onlookers quickly intervened and escorted the doctor to the ICU, where he remains in critical condition.The incident has drawn immediate attention from government officials and healthcare advocates. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin called the attack “shocking” and assured that “necessary treatment” would be provided to the injured doctor. He also ordered a “detailed inquiry” into the circumstances surrounding the incident and emphasised the government’s duty to protect medical professionals. “The selfless work of our government doctors is immeasurable, and it is our duty to ensure their safety during this work,” Stalin wrote, promising future measures to prevent similar
