Kozhikode MCH Sexual Assault Case: Human Rights Commission report flags lapses in medical examination

Kozhikode: After repeatedly pointing out the gross negligence of the gynaecologist involved with the case, the survivor of the ICU sexual assault case at Kozhikode Medical College and Hospital has reiterated her demand for justice, stressing that the allegations against the gynaecologist, who conducted her medical examination, have now been proven true.

Her response comes after the Human Rights Commission’s investigation report specifically highlighted that Dr *** lacked the necessary experience in handling such sensitive medico-legal cases and pointed out serious lapses on the part of the Medical College authorities in conducting the medical examination of the survivor.

Also read- Kozhikode MCH Sexual Assault Case: Survivor files complaint against gynaecologist

The survivor for the past two years has been raising her voice against the gynaecologist alleging that she did not record her statement completely after hearing her side of the matter and fabricated the statement to destroy the evidence. The survivor also alleged that no junior doctor accompanied the gynaecologist during the examination. Further, she also pointed out that the government had not taken any strict action against both the doctors in this case.

Expressing frustration over the lack of government action, she said she would urge the Chief Minister to take immediate steps based on the reports from the Human Rights Commission and the Inspector General, reports Kerala Kaumudi.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that the survivor of the sexual assault case at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH) expressed her dissatisfaction with the police investigation report regarding her allegations against the gynaecologist which ruled no negligence on the doctor's part. She sought a re-investigation into the matter.

The report submitted by the police denied the allegations against the doctor regarding the failure to collect scientific evidence and properly document the survivor's statement. It stated that the doctor had indeed relayed the survivor's statement to the investigating officers. Additionally, it contended that the investigation team could not find any motive for Dr *** and her junior doctor to help anyone involved in the case.

Questioning the authenticity of the report, the survivor stated no junior doctor came along with the gynaecologist during her examination. Claiming several parts of the reports untrue, the survivor met the Inspector General and demanded a re-investigation into the existing probe report.

Following the request, T.P. Jacob, the Assistant Commissioner of the Narcotics Cell re-investigated her previous complaint and found that there were lapses on the part of the gynaecologist. The fresh report revealed that the doctor failed to document the case properly and no details were recorded in the section designated for the doctor's opinion. While the gynaecologist and another doctor claimed the presence of a junior doctor, the report revealed there was no presence of a junior doctor during the survivor's examination.

In March 2023, the 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, five hospital staff were suspended for attempting to influence the accused and Chief Nursing Officer and Nursing Superintendent were transferred for failing to address a complaint filed by a Senior Nursing Officer who stood by the rape survivor in the case.

Also read- Kozhikode MCH Sexual Assault Case: Survivor seeks re-investigation into her complaint