Monkeys & Dogs Terrorize Chandigarh Hospital Staff

The PGI campus in Chandigarh has become a dangerous environment for its own employees due to escalating human-animal conflicts. Monkeys and stray dogs openly roam the residential areas, posing a significant risk to frontline healthcare workers. In recent times, multiple attacks on doctors, nurses, and support staff have been reported, making the medical institution a hazard zone for its personnel.

An incident outside the Sanjeevani hostel saw a woman resident doctor attacked by 10 to 15 monkeys as she was heading to her shift, resulting in deep scratches on her arm. Doctors have reported resorting to carrying wooden sticks for protection during their short walks between the hospital and their accommodations, especially after late-night emergency duties. The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has formally alerted the PGI administration about packs of stray dogs situated outside hostel entrances, with instances of attacks on doctors and delivery personnel occurring within the hostel premises.

Despite multiple written complaints submitted by the ARD, concrete actions remain elusive, with relocated dogs frequently returning to the same spots. The pervasive fear of animal attacks discourages outdoor activities like morning or evening walks; one faculty member and their son required anti-rabies injections after a dog bite during a morning walk. This situation has also created friction between the ARD and local individuals who feed the stray dogs. PGI's deputy director of administration, Pankaj Rai, stated that the Municipal Corporation has been requested to intervene, acknowledging the need for action.