Kerala Doctors Protest After Violent Attack on Colleague Sparks Safety Concerns

Government doctors across Kerala held protests on Thursday in response to a violent attack on a colleague at a government hospital in Kozhikode district. The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of medical professionals.

As part of the demonstrations, doctors boycotted all services except for essential patient care, with only emergency services operating in Kozhikode district, according to the Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA). Protests took place at hospitals throughout the state in the morning hours.

The attack on Dr. Vipin, which left him with head injuries, occurred on Wednesday at Thamarassery Taluk Hospital. The assailant, whose daughter recently died of amoebic meningitis, was swiftly arrested. At Thamarassery, doctors held a peaceful protest urging for measures to ensure their safety. The KGMOA demanded the government declare hospitals as special security zones, increase security measures, and ensure adequate staffing in emergency departments.

(With inputs from agencies.)