The doctors’ strike continued for the second day on Thursday in protest against the murder of a young woman doctor by a drug addict in Kerala’s Kollam district. The striking doctors demanded the state government bring a new law with immediate effect for the safety of hospitals.
KGMO also announced a strike
Most of the doctors did not report for work in the state’s hospitals for the last 24 hours following the protest call given by various organizations, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA). Besides, the ‘Kerala Government Medical Officers Association’ (KGMO) has also announced a strike today.
These organizations said that intensive care units (ICU) and critical patients have been exempted from the agitation, but outpatient (OPD) services in state hospitals will be affected. The protesting organizations are demanding that the government declare hospitals as ‘special security zones’ given the increasing attacks on doctors while on duty.
Health Minister paid tribute to the deceased Dr. Vandana Das
Meanwhile, several ministers, legislators, and hundreds of people, including State Health Minister Veena George and Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, paid tributes to the deceased Dr. Vandana Das at her residence in Muttuchira, Kottayam.
Let us tell you that a man who was brought for treatment at a hospital in Kollam district of Kerala on Wednesday, attacked a 23-year-old female doctor, who was treating his wound. He attacked her with scissors and a blade used in surgery. The accused person was brought to the hospital by the police after he was injured in a fight with family members. The police personnel who brought the accused to the hospital was also injured in the attack.
Disgusted over the killing of the young doctor, the Kerala High Court said the incident was a result of the failure of the police and the government. The court had sought a report from the state police chief regarding the incident and also asked him to appear virtually on Thursday morning regarding the matter.
