MMA president Dr N Ganabaskaran said such incidents should not happen in a hospital.

He said the health ministry had come up with not only guidelines but a training module on workplace violence for staff.

“Despite that, such an incident has happened to a government servant at the workplace and during working hours.

“We urge the relevant authorities to tighten security at all hospitals and simultaneously look into the prevention of further violence towards doctors.”

MMA proposed that the government look into 24-hour police presence at all government hospitals, similar to security at a number of other ministries and government departments.

Ganabaskaran said the medical officer had suffered multiple injuries and hoped a thorough investigation will be carried out.

“Our doctors and all healthcare staff should be able to come to work without fear of abuse, violence and harassment from patients and relatives.

“Such incidents and even the fear or the threat of violence will increase occupational stress and reduce enthusiasm at work, resulting in poorer treatment to patients.”

It was reported that the incident happened at the hospital’s orthopaedic clinic while the doctor, aged 30, was on duty.

Police detained a 37-year-old man and remanded him for four days in connection with the assault.

A video of the doctor being punched and kicked until he lost consciousness was shared widely on social media.