THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Stringent action will be taken regarding the sexual assault against a COVID-19 patient in an ambulance in Pathanamthitta, health minister KK Shailaja said.

"Such incidents shouldn't repeat in the future. So strict actions have been taken", the minister said.

GVK EMRI has been directed to submit a police clearance certificate for their staff working in Kanivu 108 ambulance service.

The health department will also conduct an investigation of the incident. The minister said that the woman will be given proper medical care and protection. GVK has informed that the ambulance driver accused of the crime was relieved of his duties. GVK informed that he was given the job on the basis of his experience as the driver of '108' ambulance in Alappuzha in 2014-15, minister Shailaja added.