THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Nedumangad Police arrested Dr Binu N K, junior consultant in general surgery at Nedumangad District Hospital, for attempting to sexually assault a junior doctor. Meanwhile, the State Health Department on Saturday suspended Dr Binu from service.
According to the complaint registered against him by a postgraduate medical student, who's serving at the hospital, the incident took place on Friday afternoon, when the junior doctor approached Dr Binu for consultation in the hospital OP.
The accused allegedly asked the student to visit his private clinic nearby for a detailed examination. According to the complaint, the alleged assault took place when the student went to his private consulting room at his residence for consultation. The junior doctor managed to escape and alerted her classmates. Following this, they approached the Police.
On Friday, the Nedumangad Police had registered a case following the complaint lodged by the medical student. "We received the complaint from the student on Friday evening. We have registered an FIR and launched an investigation," said an official with the Nedumangad police station.
In the suspension order issued on Saturday, Director of Health Services Dr Meenakshy cited private practice by the doctor as the reason for suspension.
The order pointed out that private practice by the government doctor has brought disrepute to the department.
"Private practice has brought disrepute to the department and the government. His conduct is not suitable both as a responsible government employee and as a government doctor. Prima facie, it is believed to be serious misconduct. In this situation, Dr Binu NK is suspended from service with immediate effect," stated the order.
Following the incident, the DYFI had taken out a protest march to the hospital on Friday night. The DYFI workers had alleged a delay in taking police action.
Meanwhile, Health Minister K Muraleedharan told the media that strict action would be taken against the culprit in the matter. The minister added that ensuring the safety of women medicos was the government's priority.
