Patient’s family assaults nurse, tears her clothes at Rawalpindi hospital

Nursing staff at the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology held a protest after a staff nurse was allegedly assaulted by relatives of a patient. Police subsequently registered a case against the alleged attackers.

According to a complaint submitted by staff nurse Sitara Saleem, she was performing her duties in the emergency department when three daughters of a patient were asked to leave the treatment area. The women allegedly became aggressive and assaulted her before pulling her towards the male ward.

Saleem claimed that two men also joined the attack. She alleged that the women tore her clothes and attempted to strip her. She further stated that the attackers threatened to have her removed from her job, claiming they were wealthy and influential.

In her complaint, the nurse sought legal action, describing the incident as a serious assault accompanied by threats and harassment.

Following the complaint, Waris Khan Police registered a case against the patient’s daughters and other relatives. Police said they were conducting raids to apprehend those allegedly involved.

Meanwhile, the hospital administration constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the incident. Nursing staff across the hospital also suspended their duties in protest, demanding stronger security measures and protection for healthcare workers.

The protest temporarily disrupted nursing services in the emergency department and other wards, creating difficulties for patients. Hospital officials appealed to the nurses to resume work and assured them of their full support, but the staff initially refused.

The protest was eventually called off after police arrived at the hospital and assured the nurses that a case would be registered and those responsible would be brought to justice.