Air Hostess Allegedly Sexually Assaulted While on Ventilator in Gurugram Hospital

A deeply disturbing incident came to light as a 46-year-old air hostess has filed a complaint alleging sexual assault while she was in unconscious state on a ventilator support in a private hospital in Gurugram.

The victim was hospitalized after a near drowning incident at a hotel 's swimming pool where she was staying during a training program. 

After being transferred to another private medical facility on April 5, the alleged assault occurred on April 6 while she was intubated and unable to defend herself. "The victim reported that she was in an unconscious state when a staff member assaulted her in the ICU, with two nurses present nearby," said a police spokesperson. "She was discharged on April 13 and approached authorities after disclosing the traumatic incident to her husband."

Gurugram police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified hospital personnel and are actively investigating the case. "We have recorded the victim's statement before a magistrate and are reviewing CCTV footage from the hospital to identify the accused," the police representative confirmed.

This case is third such incident in Gurugram 's private healthcare facilities in recent years. 

In July 2023, a 51-year-old Kazakhstani woman was allegedly raped by a hospital attendant, who was subsequently arrested.= In October 2020, a 21-year-old tuberculosis patient reportedly suffered a similar assault while semi-conscious and on ventilator support. 

The investigation is ongoing and the authorities promised to take swift action against the culprits.

There should be strict background checks of the medical personnel, increased surveillance in critical care units, and protocols to ensure that no patient is left alone with single staff member.

These incidents raise serious questions about patient safety in healthcare facilities, supervision standards, security measures, and screening procedures for healthcare staff in private hospitals.