In a shocking turn of events, a distressing video has emerged online, purportedly showing a Chinese surgeon repeatedly punching an 82-year-old patient during a medical procedure. The incident, which reportedly took place in 2019 at an ophthalmology hospital in the city of Guigang, has sparked widespread outrage.

The alarming CCTV footage, recently shared on Weibo by Dr. Ai Fen, director of Wuhan Central Hospital's emergency department, captures the disturbing scene. The video shows a doctor hovering over a patient covered in a dark green surgical blanket. As the elderly patient begins to move under the blanket, the physician seems to deliver three swift punches to her head. Another hospital staff member enters the frame and assists in restraining the patient who appears to be flailing in response.

The hospital in question is owned by Aier China, a prominent medical company. In a statement, Aier China acknowledged that the doctor had treated the patient roughly, citing it as an "emergency situation." The company stated that the patient failed to comply with the doctor's instructions to refrain from moving her head and eyeballs. The hospital further claimed that due to the patient's surgical intolerance caused by local anesthesia, she attempted to touch her eyes, posing a potential infection risk.

According to local authorities, the incident resulted in the elderly woman sustaining bruises to her forehead. Aier China has reported that the surgeon involved has been suspended, and the CEO of the hospital group has been dismissed as a result of the incident.

Following the procedure, the patient's son stated that the hospital management issued an apology and provided 500 yuan ($70) as compensation. The hospital failed to report the incident, and it only came to light when Dr. Ai shared the video on social media, where she has a substantial following of over 2 million users.

It is worth noting that Dr. Ai has had a longstanding dispute with Aier China. She alleges that an operation she underwent at one of their hospitals in 2021 left her partially blind in one eye. These allegations have been denied by the medical company.

The distressing video has sparked renewed concerns about patient safety and the standard of care within the medical industry. The incident has fueled calls for increased transparency and accountability, prompting authorities to investigate the matter further.

As this incident gains widespread attention, it serves as a reminder of the importance of patient rights and the need for comprehensive measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.