Kerala Doctors' body threatens statewide agitation over Gynaecologist suspension in newborn death case

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA) has warned of a statewide agitation following the suspension of a doctor from the gynaecology department at Nedumangad district hospital in connection with the death of a newborn after a c-section delivery.

The association on Sunday said it would intensify protest measures, including an OP boycott across the district, alleging inaction by the state government on its key demands related to the incident at Nedumangad hospital, PTI reported.

KGMOA is the sole service organisation representing all categories of doctors in the state’s health services.

Medical Dialogues recently reported that a doctor from the gynaecology department of the district hospital in nearby Nedumangad has been suspended pending an inquiry following allegations of the death of a newborn after a C-section delivery.

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In a statement issued after its recent district general body meeting, the association demanded the immediate reinstatement of its member, who was suspended following the incident, the arrest of those who allegedly assaulted the hospital superintendent, and the establishment of a permanent police aid post at the facility.

Alleging that the government had failed to ensure the safety and dignity of healthcare workers, KGMOA said it would continue the OP boycott at Nedumangad District Hospital on Monday and extend the boycott to the entire Thiruvananthapuram district on February 24.

The association also decided to continue its ongoing non-cooperation agitation in the district and warned that the stir would escalate to the state level if the government failed to address its demands promptly.

The general body further resolved to boycott all duties connected with the upcoming Attukal Pongala festival as part of its protest.

According to a government order, disciplinary action was taken in view of allegations of medical negligence related to the newborn’s death and bribery charges reported through the visual media.

She was suspended with immediate effect, subject to a detailed inquiry and further disciplinary proceedings, the order said.

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