The absence of an anaesthetist for three days at the Women and Child Hospital at Kottapparamba in the city appears to have acquired a political dimension with the DYFI, the youth wing of the CPI(M), staging an agitation and the Congress-led UDF countering that the issue has been blown out of proportion in view of the Assembly polls.
The two anaesthetists attached to the hospital, K.N. Kavita, consultant, and Prasoon Thomas Joseph, junior consultant, were absent on April 9, 10 and 11. Dr. Kavita had been on 20-day leave and Dr. Joseph had to take emergency leave to prepare for his practical examinations in New Delhi.
A temporary arrangement to shift Dr. Harish of Government Beach Hospital also failed to materialise as he too went on leave. However, the issue was resolved after Dr. Kavita, was recalled and she reported for duty on Monday afternoon, Dr. K.C. Rameshan, Superintendent said.
DYFI activists led by State committee member P. Shijith gheraoed District Medical Officer R.L. Sarita and Superintendent K.C. Rameshan on Monday.
The activists ended their agitation only after the Superintendent gave in writing that the issue would be solved in two days. Pregnant women had to be referred to others hospital on account of the absence of anaesthetist, K. Arun, DYFI town block secretary, alleged.
However, the UDF district committee said the DYFI had misled the public through a picketing drama. The 115-year -old Woman and Child Hospital was the only hospital in north Kerala and the fourth hospital in State to acquire recognition of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Health Care Providers.
The hospital secured national recognition by obtaining Central funds to the tune of Rs 2 crore during the rule of the UDF government. The agitation by the DYFI was aimed only at getting some political mileage during the Assembly polls, UDF leaders said.
