KALIKOT: Doctors and health workers at Palanta Hospital in Kalikot were attacked again late Friday night, just hours after a medical officer and a staff nurse were assaulted at the same facility.

According to the hospital, local resident Tapendra Bam entered the hospital at around 9:15 p.m. and allegedly assaulted Auxiliary Health Worker (AHW) Bishnu Rokaya and security guard Darn Dan. The attacker also vandalized hospital property, damaging a video-scan machine in the OPD, a refrigerator used to store vaccines, a fan, windows and equipment at the pharmacy.

Earlier on Friday afternoon, Medical Officer Dr. Ali Haider and staff nurse Shanta Giri were also assaulted at the hospital. The incident reportedly followed a dispute over the health workers preventing someone from playing video games inside the hospital.

Following the afternoon incident, a discussion was held in the presence of local residents, elected representatives and police. However, Dr. Haider said the health workers refused to reach a settlement, insisting that those responsible for the assault and mistreatment be held accountable. The second attack occurred later that night.

Police have since taken Bam into custody in connection with the incident.

Palanta Rural Municipality Health Coordinator Dhan Prasad Neupane said preparations were underway to escort Dr. Haider out of the hospital with police assistance due to the deteriorating security situation.

The repeated attacks have raised serious concerns over the safety and security of health workers at Palanta Hospital.