Why was a Kerala doctor attacked with a machete in a hospital?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Doctor attacked in Kerala hospital by grieving parent.
- Sanoop, the attacker, is the father of a deceased child.
- This incident raises alarms about workplace violence against healthcare workers.
- Calls for stronger legal protections for doctors have intensified.
- Protests are being organized by the medical community across Kerala.
Kozhikode, Oct 8 (NationPress) A doctor at a government hospital in Kerala's Kozhikode suffered critical injuries on Wednesday after being assaulted with a machete by a grieving parent, according to officials. Dr. Vipin, who practices at the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital, endured a severe head wound and was promptly transported to Baby Memorial Hospital for urgent medical care.
The attacker, recognized as Sanoop, is the father of a nine-year-old girl who tragically passed away from amoebic meningoencephalitis. He was apprehended shortly after the incident.
Initial reports indicate that Sanoop arrived at the hospital with his two children, leaving them outside before heading into the Superintendent’s office.
When he found the Superintendent absent, he directed his rage towards Dr. Vipin, who was in proximity, and assaulted him with the weapon.
This violent encounter is associated with the death of Sanoop’s daughter, Anaya, who had been admitted to the hospital with a fever. Unfortunately, her health deteriorated, leading to her transfer to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode.
Tragically, she succumbed to her condition before reaching the facility.
The family had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the hospital, claiming it failed to provide a death certificate and could not clarify the cause of death.
Witnesses reported that the attack occurred in a matter of seconds.
A lab technician recounted, "He (Sanoop) yelled, ‘You are the one who killed my daughter!’ before striking the doctor. It was horrifying."
Hospital staff quickly intervened to subdue the assailant while others hurried the injured doctor to Kozhikode.
The police have initiated an investigation and increased security at the hospital.
This assault has raised significant alarm within the medical community, which has long sought stronger legal safeguards for healthcare professionals amid escalating incidents of violence in the workplace.
"Healthcare providers have consistently called for police support, advocating for a police aid post in hospitals. The injured doctor is under continuous observation. All government hospital doctors are poised to participate in a protest," expressed a state government doctor, conveying deep outrage over the incident.
Doctors at the Taluk Hospital are mobilizing and have resolved to protest as well.
Associations representing doctors are expected to organize protests and meetings demanding immediate action and improved security protocols in hospitals statewide.