Pulppalli: Doctors and staff at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Pulppalli went on strike on Tuesday, protesting an attack on Dr Jithin Raj P S, an assistant surgeon at the hospital, which occurred around noon on Monday.

The strike, organised by the Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA), Indian Medical Association (IMA), and the Staff Council, saw protesters staging a sit-in outside the CHC. The demonstrators demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and a stronger commitment from the state government to protect doctors during duty hours. Later, a protest march was held to highlight the government's inaction regarding the safety of medical professionals.

The doctors voiced concerns over the lack of security at the hospital, noting that, due to safety risks, they had shifted outpatient consultations from closed cabins to an open hall. However, following intervention by the State Human Rights Commission, which sought a report from the Health Department after media coverage of the incident, the doctors resumed consultations in their cabins.

In a press release, KGMOA accused the state government of negligence in ensuring security for doctors. "The recurring attacks on doctors reflect the state's failure to protect healthcare workers. The culprits must be arrested immediately, and strict action must be taken against such anti-social elements," the statement said.

Dr Jithin Raj, a native of Pulppalli, was attacked after intervening when a man misbehaved with a female doctor in her cabin while she was attending to a patient on Monday morning. Later, as Dr Jithin was about to leave the hospital after finishing his OP duties, the same man, who had previously threatened the female doctor, confronted him.

Dr Jithin recalled the incident, saying, "The man began hurling abuses at me as I was about to start my bike. When I started recording the conversation on my phone, he grabbed the phone, started beating me, and tried to strangle me. A second man, who arrived in a jeep, joined the attack. I struggled to breathe and was in severe pain as they tried to strangle me."

The police have identified the main suspect as Amal Chacko, a resident of Pulpally. The authorities have seized the jeep used by the attackers, but the primary suspect remains on the run. Pulppalli Inspector Mahesh C V confirmed that while the suspect has been identified, he has not been apprehended. "We have registered a case, and the investigation is ongoing," he said. Sources suggest the accused may have escaped to Karnataka in a truck loaded with timber, and a police team is tracking his movements.

KGMOA State Committee Protests

KGMOA state president Dr Sunil PK and state general secretary Dr. Jobin G. called on the government to ensure the protection of doctors on duty. In a press statement issued Tuesday, KGMOA reiterated its demand for the state to approve the security measures proposed by the association. "The safety of doctors is a serious concern. If such unsafe conditions persist across the state, we will be forced to launch an indefinite strike," the statement concluded.

The strike has brought attention to the ongoing issue of violence against medical professionals, highlighting the need for urgent action to ensure their safety while on duty.