Attacking doctors, raising wild allegation of medical negligence unacceptable: KGMOA

The Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) registered its strong protest at the Nedumangad taluk hospital on Wednesday following the death of a newborn baby against the government allowing a mob to take charge of affairs and create an atmosphere of fear and violence.

Although the death of a newborn baby was a tragic event, it was unacceptable to attack doctors and make wild allegations of medical negligence before the truth was revealed by an impartial investigation.

The KGMOA also took strong exception to the government’s hasty dismissal of the doctor even before the expert committee appointed by the government to examine the death of the newborn had begun its investigation. KGMOA observed that bowing to mob pressure and hastily initiating criminal proceedings without scientifically analyzing the facts or giving the accused doctor an opportunity to explain his position was a blatant violation of natural justice.

‘The best care is given’

He said doctors at Nedumangad hospital provided the best possible care within the severe constraints at the institution. Considering that neonatal deaths are as high as four per 1,000 births, it is completely unacceptable for medical complications to be treated as medical negligence and for doctors to be dismissed before the investigative committee has even begun its work. The injustice that the government imposes against doctors, while completely surrendering to the demands of the mafia, will only demoralize the medical community.

‘Unfounded accusation’

KGMOA also claimed that the allegations of bribery against doctors were completely unfounded. The family did not bring up the bribery accusation even once during their meeting with health officials on Tuesday.

It was stated that suspending a doctor based solely on false allegations published in the media was an affront to the rule of law and KGMOA would legally challenge it. KGMOA demanded strict legal action under the Hospital Protection Act and other relevant provisions against those who committed violence and created chaos in the Nedumangad taluk hospital.

KGMOA pointed out that in a similar case in Palakkad district in which two doctors were suspended, the government is yet to make public the report of the expert committee. He requested the government to make public the investigation reports of both the Nedumangad and Palakkad cases.

KGMOA observed a protest day at Nedumangad hospital on Thursday, suspending all services except emergency care. Government doctors will begin an indefinite non-cooperation strike on Friday, refraining from all duties other than patient care.