American National fractured Khasi surgeon’s finger

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 7, 2020

A senior doctor was injured after a foreigner, who was brought to the Shillong civil hospital which is also designated as COVID-19 hospital, allegedly attacked the nursing staff and doctors. 

According to sources, one Theodore Moallem, a foreign citizen of the United States of America (USA), who works at the NGO Blind Lead Trust Nongthymmai, Lawjynrew was reported that he went to Guwahati on May 26 and arrived on June 6.

Moallem was brought by 108 as he was complained of chest pain and breathlessness since June 6. 

The sources said he was restless, agitated non-cooperative and violent. He was not cooperative and resisted taking medication given by the nursing staff on duty. 

Psychiatric consultations was taken and injectables were advised but he became violent and started breaking the hospital doors, chairs and attacked the nursing staff and doctors on duty, they said. 

The sources also alleged that the person had used abusive language and gave death threat to the hospital staff on duty as he also coughed and spit at the staff on duty on purpose.

Physical restraint was applied to him and he was sedated which then he became calm around 9.30 pm and he was advised to be shifted to NEIGRIHMS for further management. 

During the process, Dr Isaac Syiem, a senior general surgeon of Civil hospital, Shillong, suffered a grievous injury resulting fracture of the right 5th proximal phalynx for which he will not be able to perform operation anymore till healing occurs. 

When contacted, Health Minister AL Hek confirmed the incident and informed that the civil hospital authority will be submitting a report to the Director of Health Services (MI) Dr Aman War. 

Asked, he said the department is yet to decide on action to be taken against the concerned person. Hek said Moallem has been shifted to NEIGRIHMS.