Kollam Hospital doctor sent on compulsory leave after viral video draws criticism

Kollam: A medical officer at Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital in Kerala’s Kollam district has been sent on compulsory leave following allegations of rude and inappropriate behaviour towards a patient and his attendants in the hospital’s casualty department. The action was taken after a video of the incident circulated widely on social media, drawing public criticism and prompting an official inquiry. 

The incident reportedly occurred when a patient arrived at the casualty with fever and severe body pain. During the interaction, the doctor allegedly questioned why he had come to the emergency department after midnight and maintained that fever did not amount to an emergency.

According to The Times of India, in the video, the doctor is heard telling the patient and the bystanders that fever and body pain didn’t constitute an emergency. She is heard saying that the emergency department was not meant for people to “rush into”, and questioning their decision to seek treatment after midnight.

According to reports, the patient’s wife also informed the doctor that her husband had a history of heart problems and was experiencing significant pain. Despite this, the doctor allegedly refused to examine him. 

After the video gained momentum online, the hospital administration initiated action. The hospital superintendent issued a show-cause notice to the doctor seeking an explanation for her conduct and subsequently recommended departmental action.  

The district health authorities also ordered an inquiry into the incident. The Health Department’s vigilance wing visited the hospital to examine the circumstances and collect information related to the episode.

According to The Hindu, the District Medical Officer directed the doctor to proceed on mandatory leave after the video triggered widespread public outrage. The report said the hospital superintendent had recommended departmental action and that the vigilance team visited the hospital as part of the investigation.

The incident has also brought renewed attention to the manner in which patients and attendants are dealt with at government hospital emergency departments, where communication and appropriate assessment remain particularly important given the nature of cases presenting for care.