‘Khader trying to project himself as a hero’

The Mangaluru unit of the Association of Medical Consultants has questioned the Health Minister U.T. Khader’s decision to transfer Lady Goschen Hospital’s Superintendent M.M. Shakuntala following the death of woman after giving birth.

In a statement, the association president Mohan Suvarna said that Mr. Khader’s hurried action was unacceptable. “The Minister was trying to become a hero before the victim’s family members who protested outside the hospital,” he said.

He accused the Minister of violating the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court for handling complaints of medical negligence.

Dr. Suvarna accused Mr. Khader of turning a blind eye towards improving infrastructure, facilities and filling vacancies at the hospital that was greatly affecting working of the personnel.

The doctor (Dr. Shakuntala) has been used by the Minister as a scapegoat following the protest by the victim’s relatives. Such “careless” action would increase physical threats to doctors and paramedical staff, Dr. Suvarna said and has urged Chief Minister to take action against Mr. Khader.

‘The Minister has turned a blind eye to improving infrastructure, facilities at

the hospital’