Kozhikode MCH Sexual Assault Case: Chief Nursing Officer, Nursing Superintendent transferred

Kozhikode: In the latest update regarding the sexual assault case of a patient at the ICU of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH), the Chief Nursing Officer and Nursing Superintendent are facing disciplinary action in connection with the case.   

The medical college authorities have transferred the Chief Nursing Officer to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and the Nursing Superintendent to Konni Medical College. 

According to the investigation findings, the two health professionals failed to address a complaint filed by a Senior Nursing Officer who stood by the rape survivor in the case leading to their transfers.

Also read- Kozhikode MCH Sexual Assault Case: 5 Hospital Staff Suspended For Attempting To Influence Victim

As per a Kerala Kaumudi news report, the decision to take action was made by the medical college superintendent, who relied on a report from the Directorate of Medical Education (DME). Notably, these transfers were executed without seeking an explanation and just before their scheduled retirements in April and May.

In November 2023, the Senior Nursing Officer was transferred to the Government Medical College, Idukki following a DME report. It was revealed that she had reported an incident of patient rape in the ICU of the medical college to her superiors, namely the Chief Nursing Officer and the Nursing Superintendent. 

Investigations revealed that the two health professionals failed to appropriately handle the situation following which they were transferred. Nevertheless, the Senior Nursing Officer who was ordered to be transferred sought relief from the tribunal and obtained a two-month stay on her transfer.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported in March 2023 that a woman patient admitted to the post-surgery Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital was allegedly raped by a 55-year-old employee at the hospital on March 18. The victim claimed that the employee exploited her while she was in a semi-conscious state after undergoing thyroid surgery at the medical college hospital. Following this, Health Minister Veena George ordered the director of medical education to conduct a departmental probe into the incident and a three-member committee was constituted. 

Also read- Kozhikode MCH Employee Arrested For Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Woman In ICU