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Kerala: Patients suffer as doctors take mass leave

The patients who came from far off places to the hospitals and health centres had to return without getting medical help.

THIRUVANANTHAPRUAM: Patients faced a harrowing time as health service doctors stayed away from out patient wings of district, taluk, general hospitals and health centres in the district.

The patients faced huge inconvenience following the mass leave taken by doctors owing allegiance to Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) to protest against the failure of police to arrest the culprits’ responsible for attack on lady doctor at Pallickal community health centre on Saturday.

The patients who came from far off places to the hospitals and health centres had to return without getting medical help.

Though major hospitals had made alternative arrangement by bringing in house surgeons, it was not sufficient to deal with the patient rush. However, casualty services and emergency surgeries were not affected by the strike. “Emergency cases should be given priority. But that does not mean those coming to OPs with ailments should be left to fend for themselves or die,” said a woman.

The KGMOA alleged that the police was shielding the father and son who had assaulted lady doctor. However, the police says that the anticipatory bail application of the accused was before the High Court and under these circumstances they cannot be taken into custody.

The doctors in the district are planning to intensify the agitation if adequate protection is not provided to the doctors and hospitals.

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