OP Boycott Intensifies After Newborn Death at Nedumangad District Hospital
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) has warned of a statewide agitation following the suspension of a gynaecologist from Nedumangad District Hospital in connection with the death of a newborn after a C-section delivery. The association has termed the action against the doctor as unjust and demanded immediate redressal of its concerns.
KGMOA, the sole service organisation representing doctors in Kerala’s government health services, announced that it would intensify protest measures, including an outpatient (OP) boycott across the district. The decision was taken during a recent district general body meeting, citing alleged inaction by the state government on key demands.
The controversy arose after a doctor from the gynaecology department at the district hospital in Nedumangad was suspended pending an inquiry into allegations of medical negligence linked to the newborn’s death. The suspension was ordered through a government directive, which also referred to bribery allegations reported in the visual media.
In its statement, KGMOA demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended doctor and the arrest of individuals who allegedly assaulted the hospital superintendent following the incident. The association also called for the establishment of a permanent police aid post at the hospital to ensure the safety of healthcare personnel.
Alleging that the government has failed to safeguard the dignity and security of medical professionals, the association declared that the OP boycott at Nedumangad District Hospital would continue on Monday. It further announced that the boycott would be extended across the entire Thiruvananthapuram district on February 24.
The doctors’ body also resolved to continue its ongoing non-cooperation agitation in the district. It warned that if its demands are not addressed promptly, the protest would be escalated to the state level, potentially affecting healthcare services more widely.
As part of its protest strategy, the general body decided to boycott all duties connected with the upcoming Attukal Pongala festival, one of the major annual events in the region that typically requires medical support arrangements.
According to the government order, the suspended doctor has been relieved of duties with immediate effect, pending a detailed inquiry and further disciplinary proceedings. The unfolding situation has intensified tensions between the state administration and government doctors, raising concerns about healthcare service disruptions in the district.
