Kerala Doctor Suspended Following Newborn Death and Allegations
In a significant development in Kerala's healthcare sector, a doctor from the district hospital in Nedumangad has been suspended following the tragic death of a newborn baby. The incident has triggered widespread protests, an expert investigation, and strong condemnation from medical associations.
Timeline of Events Leading to Suspension
The controversy began when a full-term pregnant woman named Niranjana was admitted to the hospital on Monday after a routine checkup. Early Tuesday morning around 4 AM, she was taken to the labour room, and by 2 PM, a caesarean section was performed. Tragically, the newborn baby passed away shortly after delivery, with the attending doctor citing respiratory distress as the cause of death.
Following the infant's death, relatives of the deceased baby staged protests outside the hospital on Tuesday, blocking the Revenue Divisional Officer and hospital superintendent. As tensions escalated, Dr. Bindu Sundar was initially placed on compulsory leave that same day.
Official Actions and Investigation
On Wednesday morning, Dr. Sundar was formally transferred to Punalur taluk hospital, but the situation took a more serious turn when she was subsequently suspended entirely. The suspension came amid allegations of bribery and medical negligence.
Health Minister Veena George intervened directly, ordering a detailed investigation into the matter. A specialized team of expert doctors from SAT Hospital at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College was appointed to conduct the probe. This team included specialists from paediatrics, gynaecology, and anaesthesia departments, who were instructed to submit an urgent report on Wednesday.
Previous Complaints and Official Statements
Director of Health Services Dr. K J Reena revealed that there had been previous complaints against Dr. Sundar, adding that the suspended doctor would not be reinstated at the district hospital under any circumstances. This statement underscores the seriousness with which health authorities are treating the allegations.
Medical Association's Strong Response
The Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA) has responded forcefully to the developments, strongly condemning what they describe as a "mob trial" and the creation of a tense situation at the hospital. In an official statement, the association warned that the trend of threatening and attacking healthcare workers poses a severe threat to the entire public health system.
KGMOA leaders emphasized: "Taking action against doctors under external pressure before an expert committee completes a comprehensive and scientific investigation related to the incident is unacceptable. This violates the fundamental principles of justice and a scientific approach."
Organized Protests and Future Actions
Demonstrating their solidarity, KGMOA organized protest programs at all health institutions across Thiruvananthapuram district on Wednesday. The association has issued a clear warning to the government, stating that if authorities fail to ensure safety and justice for doctors, they will escalate to stronger protest actions in the coming days.
The situation remains tense as the expert committee continues its investigation into the newborn's death, while medical professionals and authorities navigate the complex intersection of patient safety, medical accountability, and healthcare worker protection.
