House surgeons in Thrissur Medical College hospital go on strike

Thirssur: House surgeons in Thrissur Medical College hospital on Friday started an indefinite strike demanding removal of general surgeon Habeeb Muhammed from the college following his arrest and suspension over a complaint of sexual harassment by a female student. The doctor was picked up by the police on Wednesday and was suspended from service on Thursday by the director of medical education. A panel of three doctors from other MCHs has been formed to inquire into the incident.

Meanwhile, the house surgeons found the suspended doctor on the medical college campus on Friday sparking off protests and strike which, however, did not affect the functioning of the casualty section. The surgeon, who was produced in the magistrate court in Wadakkanchery, had been granted bail. DC has learnt from police sources that there were similar complaints against the surgeon in the past as well. MCH principal Dr M.K. Ajayakuamar said the suspended doctor had not entered the hospital on Friday. “It is a public space and I cannot ban him from entering the campus,” he said.