Chennai doctor stabbed multiple times by cancer patient's aggrieved son

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A doctor was stabbed multiple times by the son of his cancer patient at a government hospital in Chennai.

The man, identified as Vignesh, was allegedly unhappy with the treatment his mother received at the city's Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital, an official said. His mother was receiving treatment for cancer at the government hospital since May 2024.

The assault took place inside the outpatient room when Vignesh was speaking to the oncologist, who is a heart patient himself, regarding his mother's treatment. While the man tried to escape after stabbing Dr. Balaji seven times, he was apprehended immediately and handed over to the cops.

"He (Vignesh) closed the OP room and stabbed the doctor in his neck, behind his ear, chest, forehead, on his back, head and stomach. There was huge blood loss. He is a heart patient and has undergone surgery for his heart ailment,' an emergency medicine anesthesiologist said.

The victim bled excessively and his medication for his heart ailment is the likely reason for more blood loss.

Vignesh, a resident of a suburban neighbourhood, suspected the doctor had prescribed incorrect medication to his mother Kanchana. The official said the assailant claimed that his mother was provided chemotherapy six times in the government hospital. After shifting to a private hospital, he was told that his mother's lungs were affected.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed shock over the incident and has demanded a detailed enquiry. He also directed that the injured doctor receive necessary treatment.

"It is shocking that Dr Balaji, who is working at the Guindy Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital, was stabbed by a family member of a patient. The person involved in this incident was immediately arrested. I have instructed that all necessary medical treatment be given to Dr Balaji and that a detailed enquiry be conducted into the matter," the Stalin said.