Kerala medical body writes to CM on repeated attacks on doctors
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Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of repeated attacks on healthcare staff in the state, the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) has written to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with a set of suggestions to tackle the problem.
The medical organisation, in a memorandum presented to Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday told that doctors are being attacked frequently who are working tirelessly and interacting with the patients. The KGMOA also demanded immediate arrest of those who attack doctors on duty.
The recent provocation for this petition was the attack on Malu Murali, a woman doctor at the Government Fort Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, by two persons on Friday morning. The doctor was on duty when she was attacked by two persons -- Rasheed of Karimadom and Rafeeq of Vallakadavu.
Malu Murali told IANS, "Two persons had arrived at the hospital late evening and jumped the queue while asking for medical help. When I asked the reason for the injury, they got provoked and used derogatory language. The duo twisted my arm as well as kicked and assaulted me. I fell down and they tried to disrobe me even without thinking that I am a woman."
She said, "They were under the influence of drugs. I am sure that it was not alcohol. There was no smell of alcohol and they were not sluggish, instead their energy level was high giving indications that they had taken some drugs. It was a harrowing experience and my body is still in pain. The security staff who tried to save me was also attacked. It was a frightening experience."
The woman doctor underwent treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram General hospital and is now back on duty.
The police have arrested two persons with criminal records -- Rafeeq (38) of Vallakadavu and Rasheed (42) of Karimadom colony and both have been remanded to judicial custody.
The KGMOA in its petition demanded that the criminals who assault the doctors filed a counter case that the doctor had attacked them.
The doctors' body said if such a case comes up, a panel has to be formed and an inquiry conducted before initiating a case against the doctor concerned. The Government Doctors Association said in such cases a police official not below the rank of Superintendent of Police should look after the investigation.