After his arrest, Mhatre complained of chest pain and was admitted to the Thane District Civil Hospital for treatment, an official said.
While Mhatre is receiving treatment inside the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), medical officers, nurses and administrative staff gathered outside the premises to protest the incident.
They raised slogans such as “Attacks on doctors must stop” and “Provide security for healthcare workers”, asserting that a public representative who attacks frontline medical staff has no moral right to hold public office.
Dr Dheeraj S Mahangade, Additional District Civil Surgeon and senior orthopedic specialist, strongly condemned the attack on the doctors but said the hospital would fulfill its medical obligations (to treat the corporation).
He said Mhatre has only one kidney and suffers from high blood pressure.
He is under appropriate care and is expected to be released Thursday night or Friday morning, he said.
“As doctors, providing treatment is our duty, but under no circumstances can an attack on medical professionals be justified,” said Dr Mahangade.
He questioned whether a public representative would tolerate a similar physical attack by their own constituents, stressing the urgent need for strong security measures to ensure a safe working environment for all healthcare workers.
The protest was well attended by various departments of the hospital, with staff demanding strict legal action against violators and beefed-up security at all public medical facilities.
(With data from PTI)
