IMA withdraws strike over Dr Vandana's death case; Read details

Thiruvananthapuram: The doctors' strike that was instigated by the murder of Dr. Vandana Das, 23, has been withdrawn. Following the cancellation of the strike by government doctors, the Indian Medical Association, a group of private doctors, likewise declared that it would also be ending its strike. Discussions with the Chief Minister were held by the protesting groups. The vast majority of the demands made had a positive angle, where the IMA welcomed the government's stand. 

Also read: Killing of doctor an outcome of the "systemic failure": Kerala HC lashes out at police department

The doctors demanded to make a decision regarding the working conditions and safety of junior doctors and house surgeons and stated that the decision to enact an ordinance is appreciated. If the ordinance is not passed at least by next Wednesday, the strike will intensify, said the doctors. 

However, PG students and house surgeons will continue their strike until a meeting with the Health Minister on Friday.

The murder case of the doctor has been transferred to the District Crime Branch due to errors in the First Information Report (FIR). Rural SP ML Sunil Kumar will oversee the probe while Crime Branch Rural DYSP M.M Jose will be in charge of it. 

Meanwhile, actor Mammootty on Thursday visited the family of Dr Vandana at around 8.30 pm. He was accompanied by actor-director Ramesh Pisharody and producer Anto Joseph. He spent about 15 minutes reportedly with the deceased's parents Mohandas and Vasanthakumari and consoled them.

Former Kerala State Youth Commission chairperson Chintha Jerome also paid a visit to the bereaved family. 

A new block at the Taluk Hospital in Kottarakkara will be named after Dr Vandana Das to commemorate her service in the hospital. Dr Vandana was cremated on the premises of her home at Muttuchira in the afternoon on Thursday. She was attacked with scissors by the accused Sandeep (42), a teacher at the Government UP School, Nedumbana and reportedly a drug addict. He was remanded and admitted to the Poojappura Central Prison on Thursday night.

The Kerala High Court on Thursday said the killing of a 23-year-old doctor at a taluk hospital in Kollam district of the state a day ago by a man she was treating was the outcome of the "systemic failure". 

A special bench of Justices Devan Ramachandran and Kauser Edappagath directed the State Police Chief to come out with a new set of protocols for ensuring the security of the doctors and other healthcare professionals in all government hospitals in the state. 

Also read: Kerala HC slams govt, police department over killing of doctor in taluk hospital; 'Failed to protect doctor'

• IMA withdraws strike
• vandana das death