Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, May 7: Dr Narayana Naik, paediatrician working for Kasargod general hospital, who has been accused of showing negligence towards patient, Prajeeta, and causing her death, and ambulance driver, Unnikrishnan, who reportedly collected fare from the family for transporting the patient to the next-door private hospital, have been suspended. It may be recalled that Prajeeta, a 30-month-old girl, suffering from the side affects of endosulfan use, had died in a private hospital, after she was shifted to that hospital on Wednesday night, as her long wait at the government hospital for treatment proved futile.

State health minister, P K Srimati Teacher, ordered suspension of these officials, based on a report submitted by district medical officer, Jose D’Cruz. The minister will be visiting the town to collect information on the case on Saturday. The minister has also asked Dr Sridharan, additional director in the health department, to conduct a detailed inquiry into the issue. The ministry sources said that the investigation will also cover deficiency of service by other doctors and staff of the above hospital, and that action will be taken against those found guilty.

The policemen, who have registered a case of unnatural death, are awaiting the receipt of the post mortem report before proceeding further. In the meanwhile, district collector, K N Satish, has sanctioned an emergency medical assistance of Rs 10,000 to the family of the deceased girl, Prajeeta.

In the meanwhile, Kerala Government Medical Officers Association’s district committee has protested against the suspension of Dr Narayana Naik. It has also demanded for legal steps against those who vandalized Dr Naik’s clinic on Thursday.  The organization noted that Dr Naik, in spite of being on leave, had provided emergency treatment to the girl, and hence, his suspension was unjustified.