Kozhikode: Protesting against the attack on a doctor at the Thamarassery Government Taluk Hospital, the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) — a union of government doctors — has announced a strike across Kozhikode district on Wednesday. Health workers staged a protest march in Thamarassery alleging lapses of the government in ensuring safety of the staff at the health care institutions. 

Only emergency departments will remain functional in government hospitals during the protest. The KGMOA has issued a formal notice to the District Medical Officer (DMO) regarding the agitation.

KGMOA spokesperson told the media that doctors in the district will boycott Outpatient (OP) services in all hospitals on Thursday too. Only the emergency department will be operational in the hospitals.

In a press statement, the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) Kozhikode district committee condemned the recurring brutal attacks on doctors in the state, even with the Hospital Protection Act in force. The association demanded that hospital premises be declared safe zones, and that police outposts, security systems, and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance be established in all hospitals.

“A triage system should be implemented in all casualty units, and at least two doctors should be on duty during every shift,” demanded KGMOA.

Speaking to Manorama News, KGMOA state president Dr PK Sunil said that a statewide protest would soon be launched, criticising the government for its failure to ensure the safety of healthcare workers in public hospitals.

“Following the murder of Dr Vandana Das, the government had promised to establish police aid posts and install CCTV cameras in all public hospitals. But no action has been taken yet. Anyone can barge into hospitals and attack doctors. There is no protection for doctors or other medical staff. We will organise stronger protests in the coming days,” he said.

The injured doctor, Dr Vipin PT(34), was on duty in the casualty department of the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital when he was allegedly attacked with a machete on Wednesday noon. He sustained a skull fracture in the assault and is undergoing treatment at Baby Memorial Hospital.

The accused has been identified as Sunup, the father of a nine-year-old girl who recently died of amoebic meningoencephalitis. As per reports, he attacked the doctor, accusing him of being responsible for his child's death.