Thamarassery: Tension prevailed at the Government Taluk Hospital in Thamarassery on Wednesday after a doctor was allegedly attacked with a machete by the father of a young girl who had died of amoebic meningoencephalitis in August. The shocking incident has triggered strong condemnation from the medical community.
Outrage and Strike by Medical Association
Following the attack, the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) called for an immediate flash strike across the Kozhikode district. Association functionaries informed The Hindu that all services, except emergency care, would be boycotted. However, at the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital itself, no services would be provided until further notice.
Sudden Attack in Hospital Premises
According to reports, the doctor was engaged in conversation with colleagues and a patient when the child’s father suddenly launched the attack using a sharp-edged weapon, striking the doctor on the head. The attacker reportedly blamed the doctor for his daughter’s death. He was quickly overpowered by hospital staff and patients present at the scene and handed over to the police.
Injured Doctor Shifted to Private Hospital
Hospital authorities confirmed that the injured doctor received immediate first aid at the taluk hospital before being transferred to a private facility for advanced treatment. His condition is reported to be stable following the incident.
Case Linked to Child’s Death in August
The assault is believed to be connected to the death of the attacker’s daughter, who was admitted to the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital in August with fever symptoms. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she died of amoebic meningoencephalitis on August 14 while being shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode.
Family Alleges Negligence
The bereaved family has accused the hospital of medical negligence, claiming that the child did not receive timely or adequate treatment during her stay. The allegations had earlier drawn criticism of the hospital’s handling of infectious disease cases and its preparedness for emergency transfers.
Other Children Also Infected
Two of the deceased girl’s siblings were also diagnosed with the same rare disease but have since recovered after receiving treatment. Health officials are reportedly monitoring the area to ensure that no further infections occur.
Series of Attacks on Doctors
The Thamarassery incident adds to a disturbing pattern of violence against doctors in recent months. In a similar case reported earlier, a 50-year-old medical officer in Tamil Nadu was stabbed multiple times outside his clinic by a man seeking revenge. The accused was arrested, and the injured doctor, who suffered severe abdominal and thigh injuries, is currently recovering in hospital.
