Govt Doctors observe black day, demand revocation of doctors' suspension at Palakkad Hospital
Palakkad: The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) has declared a statewide protest following the suspension of two junior doctors from Palakkad District Hospital. The suspension was issued after allegations of medical negligence in the case of a nine-year-old girl, whose right hand had to be amputated.
Condemning what is called an unjust action, the emergency district committee of the KGMOA, which met on October 6, 2025, decided to launch a series of protest programmes demanding the immediate revocation of suspension orders. Yesterday, the association observed a “Black Day” in protest against the suspension decision.
Talking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Sunil PK, President of KGMOA, stated that despite the expert committee’s opinion of there being no issue of medical negligence, the two doctors were suspended. The case involves a child admitted on September 24 with fractures in both bones of her right hand after a fall. Doctors performed a closed reduction procedure, applied a cast, and confirmed normal blood circulation. During a follow-up the next day, no complications were found. However, the child was brought back in serious condition as there was gangrene, two days ahead of her scheduled review. She was later referred to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, where doctors concluded that amputation was necessary. Despite the hospital administration finding no treatment lapse, the two doctors were suspended pending inquiry and disciplinary action.
In a letter to the health authorities, KGMOA pointed out that the patient was given the best treatment as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the resources and facilities available. “Complications that arose during treatment were identified in a timely manner, appropriate treatment was provided, and the patient was referred to a higher hospital for further treatment. It is noteworthy that despite two separate investigations into the incident, no wrongdoing was found on the part of the treating doctors,” the association mentioned in the letter.
“The government's decision to suspend doctors is extremely unfair and demoralizing. This decision will create severe psychological stress among doctors, which is likely to lead them to engage in defensive practice. This will ultimately have a detrimental effect on patient care in the district,” the letter further added.
As part of the agitation, October 8 has been observed as “Black Day,” with protest meetings in all government hospitals across Palakkad. From the same day, doctors will begin a non-cooperation strike, excluding Pulse Polio duties, and will boycott official meetings, training sessions, and external reporting. On October 13, the outpatient department (OPD) at Palakkad District Hospital will remain closed, followed by a complete OPD boycott in all government hospitals in the district on October 14.
