KOLLAM: Thousands of outpatients who sought treatment in various government hospitals, including the primary health centres in the district, were at the receiving end following a strike conducted by the doctors affiliated to the Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA) in the district. The doctors were protesting against the alleged attack on a pregnant lady doctor by the relatives of a pregnant woman who died at Kottarakkara taluk hospital a week back.
Sahida, 31, wife of Baiju, Muslim Street, Kottarakkara, died allegedly due to medical negligence at the hospital on the night of May 14. According to Dr. Biju Nelson, Kottarakkara taluk hospital superintendent, the patient died die to amniotic fluid embolism.
“The woman was admitted to the hospital by 9 p.m. and was attended by a gynaecologist. She was under observation after giving enema. Normally, the labour time is four to six hours. Due to a rare condition suffered by pregnant women, she died of embolism by 10.10 pm. The gynaecologist rushed to the labour room to her aid, but could not act immediately as the relatives also entered the labour room creating havoc,” Dr. Biju Nelson said.
The hospital authorities allege that Dr. Sreeja, the gynaecologist, was threatened and manhandled by the relatives of the woman. An ambulance driver who used to park his ambulance illegally near the hospital was behind the crime, Dr. Biju alleged.
The association demanded prosecution of the accused in the attack. “We complained to the police on the day of the incident, but they did not take any action in the name of election duty. We waited for three more days, but no action was taken. We started the strike on Wednesday and will continue it,” Dr. Biju said.
