Balasore, July 14: Healthcare services were paralysed in the district headquarter hospital here today as the nursing staff went on strike following assault on one of their colleagues by the attendants of a patient, who died here.

The agitating nurses demanded security for them.

On the other hand, several attendants of patients gheraoed the additional medical officer alleging that health condition of patients has deteriorated.

However, the tension was diffused following intervention of the sub-collector, Ramesh Rout. Nurses resumed their duty following assurances from the district administration.

Earlier in the morning, the nurses had gone on strike demanding arrest of the culprits involved in assaulting one of their colleagues yesterday and security cover for them. Attendants and relatives of Kalicharan Das, admitted for suspected poisoning, had ransacked the hospital and assaulted doctors and nurses alleging negligence in treatment that led to his death.

“Sarojini Dei, one of our colleagues was physically assaulted by the mob. The patient died within five minutes of his admission although he was attended by the duty doctor Sarita Sahoo and nurse Sarojini Dei,” said Gitanjali Satpathy, president of Balasore unit of Orissa Nursing Employees Association.

“No police action was taken although we had lodged a complaint, ” said Satpathy. Apart from the action against the culprits and security to the nurses on duty, the association leaders demanded posting of at least 15 other nurses.

Ramesh Rout said: “ I had talks with the chief district medical officer, nursing staff and the police. I asked the police authorities to bring the culprits to book.”

“A case has been registered against some unknown persons under several sections including causing damage to public establishment and manhandling nurse and doctor. We are yet to arrest the culprits as their identity has not been established,” said Manoranjan Mohanty, deputy superintendent of police.

On the demand for more nursing staff, chief district medical officer, Iqbal Ahmed said: “We require at least 15 more nurses. We have been apprising the requirement to the government from time to time.”