A shocking incident occurred recently at the Government Taluk Hospital in Thamarassery, Kozhikode, Kerala. A doctor was violently attacked by the father of an eight-year-old girl who had tragically died from amoebic meningoencephalitis.
The physician, identified as Dr. Vipin, was assaulted by K.V. Sunoop, a resident of Korangad, Thamarassery, and the father of the deceased girl, Anaya. Eyewitnesses reported that Dr. Vipin was conversing with colleagues and a patient when Mr. Sunoop launched his attack using a sharp-edged weapon, striking the doctor on the head. During the assault, Mr. Sunoop was heard accusing Dr. Vipin of being responsible for his daughter’s death. Others present quickly intervened, overpowered Mr. Sunoop, and confiscated the weapon. He was subsequently taken into police custody.
Following the attack, Dr. Vipin received initial medical attention and was later transferred to a private hospital in Kozhikode City for further treatment.
Family Alleges Negligence
The family’s distress stems from Anaya’s medical journey. She was initially admitted to Thamarassery Taluk Hospital presenting with fever symptoms. Her condition unfortunately deteriorated, and she succumbed to the infection on her way to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode. Her family has consistently alleged that Anaya did not receive adequate treatment at the local taluk hospital.
Adding to the family’s ordeal, two of Anaya’s siblings were also diagnosed with amoebic meningoencephalitis, though thankfully, they both recovered from the severe infection.
Medical Officers Announce Strike
In response to this alarming incident of violence against a medical professional, the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) has declared an immediate flash strike across all government hospitals in the district. KGMOA officials stated that all hospital services, with the exception of emergency care, would be boycotted. At the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital, specifically, no services whatsoever are being offered as part of the protest.