Thiruvananthapuram: A 23-year-old doctor was stabbed to death on Wednesday at a hospital in Kerala's Kollam district. She was attacked by none other than the patient she was treating and taking care of.
The disheartening case of the young doctor identified as Vandana Das has questioned the safety of doctors on duty while attending such miscreants. Upset and angered youths demonstrated a protest in this regard to raise voice against such incidents that occur in the society, noting that Vandana's case isn't the first of its kind.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA) protested across the state to draw the attention of state authorities against the case and seek justice for the deceased healthcare staff. PG doctors and students pursuing MBBS course were spotted protesting at the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
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KGMOA suspends all services expect emergency cases
Meanwhile, Kerala Government Medical Officer's Association protested against the doctor's killing. In a statement issued by its president Dr T N Suresh, the union of government medical professionals said all services except emergency treatment will be suspended today in Kollam district.
It sought exemplary punishment for those responsible for the incident and demanded that stringent measures be put in place to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Accused identified as Sandeep, a 'drug addict'
Reports identified that the accused in the Kerala doctor's death case was a 42-year-old suspended school teacher and a drug addict named Sandeep. According to local legislator K.B. Ganesh Kumar, Sandeep was undergoing de-addiction therapy.
It was noted that the man was brought to the hospital around 4 a.m. by the local police after he created ruckus in his house. He suddenly got provoked and attacked everyone standing there using a scissor and scalpel.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Wednesday morning and Das succumbed to her injuries a few hours later.
Police claims Sandeep was under alcohol influence
"He had consumed alcohol and was violent when we took him to the hospital. He was alone with the doctor as we are not allowed into the room when a patient's wound is being dressed," police told media.
The Kerala doctor was allegedly attacked multiple times with blade
A medical official was quoted in media reports narrating the crime scene and saying that Sandeep picked up a surgical blade and attacked Vandana Das multiple times when she was attending to him.
Das fails to survive attack
"She was given emergency treatment and shifted to a premier hospital in the capital city. Despite best efforts, her life could not be saved," said a senior Indian Medical Association office-bearer.
CM condoles death
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of the doctor and said the incident was "shocking and extremely painful". He said a thorough investigation will be conducted in the matter.
"Assaulting health workers in the line of duty is unacceptable. A thorough investigation will be conducted into the incident. The government will take strong action against attacks on doctors and health workers," Vijayan said in a statement.
Later in the day, the CM along with Governor Arif Khan visited the KIMS hospital where the body of doctor Das is kept. WATCH VIDEO
Kerala State Human Rights Commission intervenes
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission, based on media reports of the incident, on its own initiated a case and sought a report within seven days from the District Police Chief of Kollam.
