Healthcare in crisis: Doctors’ strikes and medical lapses disrupt services

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala’s healthcare system is in turmoil due to government negligence, medical errors, and ongoing doctors’ strikes. Patients are facing severe difficulties getting treatment. The Chief Minister has warned that strict action will be taken against those responsible for lapses.

Doctors have been boycotting outpatient (OP) services for seven days and postponing surgeries for four days at medical colleges, demanding pending salaries. From Tuesday, the OP strike is expected to expand to all government hospitals in the Thiruvananthapuram district. The move comes after a doctor was suspended following the death of a newborn at Nedumangad Hospital. The doctors have also decided to boycott duties related to Attukal Pongala. This is in addition to the ongoing three-day OP strike at Nedumangad Hospital.

Meanwhile, a dispute has arisen between doctors and nurses over the Alappuzha incident. The Kerala Government Nurses Association (KGNA) has come forward against the investigating report that gave a clean chit to the doctor by blaming the nurse over the incident where a forceps was left inside patient Ush Joseph’s abdomen in a surgery performed at Alappuzha Medical College five years ago. The situation has given rise to the concern that this may create tension between doctors and nurses across the state.

Doctor’s error in Nedumangad

In the Nedumangad incident, the investigating report found Dr Bindu Sundar responsible for serious lapses during childbirth that led to the death of a newborn. Despite complications in both mother and child, the decision to perform a cesarean was delayed until a vacuum device was used, which could have been avoided.

Alappuzha case: Nurse, not doctor, found responsible
In the Alappuzha surgery, the investigation found no fault with Dr Shahida. The error occurred when the nurse, Dhanya, failed to account for surgical instruments after being asked. The doctor followed all procedures correctly, and the report also notes that during the COVID period, the operation floor had limited staff and a nurse was not present with the doctor. Dhanya had also assisted in another surgery on a nearby table.

KGNA rejects report
The KGNA stated that while doctors use surgical instruments, it is their primary responsibility to ensure all instruments are accounted for. Nurses share only joint responsibility. The association warned that if doctors attempt to blame nurses to shield their own lapses, they will strongly protest.