- Gautham Adiyodi
Comment/News Analysis
Kerala’s health sector was renowned for its quality,accuracy and better places of work. The things have changed lot. Working condition in government hospitals is pathetic. Staff shortage,crowded atmosphere and lack of safety mechanism pose threat to doctors and medical staff.
The government has failed to provide proper security system to doctors who are on duty. Doctors and medical staff are in protest mode as one among their colleagues,Vandana Das brutally murdered while she was attending a patient at Kottarakkara Taluk hospital. Attack on doctors and medical staff is on the rise in both private and government hospitals in Kerala.If the state government doesn’t take strict actions,no body will be there in our hospitals to treat our patients.
A young lady doctor’s death and controversial statement by Kerala Health Minister Veena George make big news in Kerala since Wednesday morning.
A doctor’s life is dedicated to save his/her patients. While doing their treatment,they never imagine someone in front of them will hit them back.Here,in the case of Vandana Das,it is shocking. While she was treating the patient,he attack her with scissors and brutally murders her. Think; the incident happened in a Taluk hospital at Kottarakkara in Kerala.
She was killed in front of police on duty.It’s a huge negligence on the part of state police and hospital authorities.
The Kerala High Court asked sharply,”If there is no security system for protecting doctors,close down your hospitals.”
These words must be an eye-opener to the authorities,especially health minister Veena George.
Kerala had never faced such a brutal attack on doctors earlier.There were few disputes,and minor clashes.But,this incident is too serious.If an hospital is not safe for a practicing doctor who else will get justice from this land?
The opposition parties as well as practicing medical professionals have been raising the issue in a serious manner.
Doctors and house surgeons are keeping away from their duties since the incident.What will be the state of hospitals where thousands of people depend for their treatment?
The failure of the state police is underscored by everyone who condemns the murder. Remember,the police brings a culprit who was caught while engaged in clashes .He was an intoxicated youth.Realizing all these issues,how can the police on duty leave him in front of the duty doctor, that too a young lady?
Other serious concerns
Kerala health minister Veena George’s statement is questioned by student as well as parent community along with all medical professional irrespective of their political affiliation. “Inexperience young doctor was inefficient to save herself from the killer.” Minister,it is not a proper response.The doctor was deeply involved in her duties while attending patients.Her concern at that time was to cure the patient.She sometimes,even forgets her safety at such moments.Then how can a responsible minister say such cruel words.While the whole state is mourning the death of a young doctor,such absurd words will hurt her sorrowing family,dear and near ones.And,the statement also hurts the whole Keralites who stand in solidarity with Dr. Vandana’s family.