Controversy erupts after doctor allegedly swaps duties with husband at Govt hospital

Malappuram: A female doctor posted at the Emergency Medical Department at Tirurangadi Taluk Hospital has been accused of swapping her duties with her husband, who is also a doctor, while she was breastfeeding her newborn child at the hospital. The husband is reported to have taken over the emergency duties including consultation and medical examinations, in her absence.

The couple's unconventional duty adjustment has sparked a heated controversy, with a youth organization- the Muslim Youth League activists demanding an investigation into the matter. They filed a complaint with Health Minister Veena Geroge and the District Medical Officer (DMO).

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The incident came to light after Muslim Youth League activists highlighted that the husband identified as Dr Safeel, posted at Kondotty Taluk Hospital had allegedly been working in place of his wife, Dr. Saheeda, at the hospital. According to hospital authorities, Dr Saheeda had recently returned to work after taking a maternity leave. 

However, after rejoining her position, Dr. Saheeda frequently needed to breastfeed her child at the hospital. As a result, her husband, Dr. Safeel, voluntarily took over her duties in the emergency department when she was unavailable. He reportedly examined patients, conducted medical tests, and often covered her night shifts.

This alleged act of service and duty adjustment was met with protests and concerns from Muslim Youth League activists, who openly expressed their disapproval of the incident.

Defending the arrangement, Hospital Superintendent Dr Prabhu Das told Mathrubhumi, "During the time Dr Saheeda was breastfeeding her child, Dr Safeel had been performing emergency department duties in her place. In several instances, Dr Safeel conducted medical examinations instead of his wife."

"Dr Safeel attends to patients when she goes to breastfeed her baby. The explanation is that Safeel did this to avoid causing any inconvenience to the patients," he further told Kerala Kaumudi. 

Meanwhile, the CPM Tirurangadi Local Committee opposed the duty swap, arguing that Dr Saheeda was receiving a salary without fulfilling her duties at the hospital. As a result, they demanded action against her and urged the health department to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. 

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