Four women arrested in Malappuram gynaecologist assault case

Malappuram: Four women were arrested on Friday in connection with the alleged assault of a gynaecologist from a government hospital in Perinthalmanna, police said.

Police said the attack was linked to the death of a woman who had recently visited the Perinthalmanna District Hospital for delivery. 

However, the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) said the young woman, who developed severe complications due to postpartum haemorrhage, was treated as per protocol without delay and was later referred to a better-equipped hospital, news agency PTI reported.

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Despite all possible efforts by doctors, her life could not be saved, the association said in a statement.

Strongly condemning “the brutal and premeditated attack on a gynaecologist," the KGMOA demanded strict and exemplary punishment for those involved.

It said such acts of taking the law into one’s own hands, without understanding the scientific challenges in healthcare, are unacceptable and would affect the morale of health workers.

The association also said that over 50 government hospitals in the state that handle deliveries currently lack adequate staff.

Despite repeated demands to ensure proper facilities and human resources in these institutions, the issue has not been addressed seriously, it said.

To prevent such incidents in the future, the KGMOA said delivery centres must be strengthened as a long-term solution.

It called for the creation of posts for at least seven gynaecologists, seven paediatricians, and seven anaesthetists at each delivery centre to ensure 24-hour services, reports PTI.

The association also stressed the need for well-equipped operating theatres, blood banks, and other basic infrastructure at such centres.

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