A casualty medical officer on duty at Thamarassery taluk hospital was hacked by a man here on Wednesday. Dr Vipin PT, who sustained a skull fracture, has been shifted to Baby Memorial hospital. 

He was reportedly attacked by Sunup, the father of a 9-year-old girl who died of Amoebic meningoencephalitis two months ago. According to the hospital authorities, Sanoop came to the hospital casualty with two children and asked for the Medical Superintendent.

"Sunup was told that the superintendent was in a meeting. He insisted on meeting him. Dr Vipin and two lab technicians were talking to another patient. We understand that he got provoked and hacked Dr Vipin," an official at the hospital said.

The doctor was attacked using a machete. Soon after the attack, the hospital staff closed the door and informed the police.

Thamarassery police arrived at the hospital and took him into custody. The hospital officials said that Sanoop reportedly accused the doctor of being responsible for his daughter's death. The police said that Sanoop is in custody and a case will be registered.

The hospital staff expressed shock over the incident. "He just walked in and asked for the superintendent. It didn't seem like he was carrying a weapon. There were children with him," a staff member said. Dr Vipin's condition is reported to be stable. He has been admitted to the neurosurgery ICU. 

Sunup's daughter Anaya(9), a Class 4 student of Korangad Government LP School, died of Amoebic encephalitis on August 14. She was admitted to Thamarassery Taluk Hospital early morning with a fever and passed away in the evening while being transported to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital as her condition worsened. Her two siblings and a relative were also admitted to the Medical College Hospital with fever. They were discharged the following evening after their fever subsided. Health department officials confirmed that they were suffering from a common viral infection.

"The attack against a doctor at Thamarassery Taluk Hospital is extremely reprehensible. It is shocking to the human conscience. Strong legal action will be taken," said Health Minister Veena George.

Doctors at government hospitals in the Kozhikode district have launched a flash strike, suspending all services except those in the emergency department. Services at Thamarassery Taluk Hospital have also been halted.