A video allegedly showing a doctor being mistreated at Katari Hospital in Udayapur district has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread debate both online and offline.

The footage has been discussed from various angles, with many questioning whether the incident was a case of abuse against medical personnel or a consequence of frustration over hospital management issues.

The Incident

The controversy began after a fatal accident on Monday in Giddhbar, Katari Municipality-2. Uttam Thapa, a 31-year-old assistant driver from Katari Municipality-2, fell from a moving school bus belonging to Sougat Academy Boarding School while it was on its way to pick up students in Belsot, Katari Municipality-1.

Thapa suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Katari Hospital, where he later died during treatment.

His body was kept at the hospital for a post-mortem examination. However, tensions rose when family members and local residents learned that the hospital’s mortuary refrigerator was out of service. As temperatures remained high during the summer season, the body began to emit an odor, leading to anger and complaints from relatives.

Family members and locals confronted the hospital’s chief medical officer, Dr. Gaurav Sah, over what they described as poor hospital management. Dr. Sah explained that the refrigeration unit had malfunctioned due to power supply issues and that efforts were underway to repair it.

Despite the explanation, emotions remained high as relatives mourned the loss of a family member. Witnesses said heated arguments broke out between the grieving family and hospital officials.

How the Situation Escalated

According to accounts of the incident, Dr. Sah eventually told the crowd that if they were dissatisfied, they could remove the body and take it elsewhere. The remark reportedly further angered those present.

Relatives then removed the body from the post-mortem room and placed it inside the hospital’s emergency ward. Hospital staff, including Dr. Sah, objected to the decision, arguing that the emergency ward was not an appropriate place to keep a body. This led to further confrontation between hospital staff and the deceased’s relatives.

The situation became increasingly tense until police intervened and brought the crowd under control.

Doctor Says He Was Mistreated

Following the incident, Dr. Sah took to social media, claiming that he had been subjected to abuse over what he described as a technical problem beyond his immediate control.

He alleged that some individuals attempted to politicize the issue for personal interests and that there had even been attempts at physical assault, which he said undermined the morale of healthcare workers.

Dr. Sah stated that, due to the incident and what he considers targeted mistreatment, he no longer intends to continue working at Katari Hospital.

Investigation Underway

Deputy Superintendent of Police Umendra Kharel of the Area Police Office in Katari said an investigation into the overall incident is ongoing. He confirmed that the bus driver, 48-year-old Chhatra Bahadur Karki of Katari Municipality-2, has been taken into custody in connection with the fatal accident.

Katari Mayor Rajesh Chandra Shrestha said discussions were being held with all concerned parties to find a resolution. He emphasized that efforts were being made to ensure the dispute does not disrupt healthcare services at the hospital.

While the viral video has fueled strong reactions on social media, the incident highlights broader concerns about hospital infrastructure, the treatment of healthcare workers, and the challenges that arise when grief, public frustration, and service shortcomings collide.