Kochi: The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers' Association (KGMCTA) has condemned the transfer of the superintendent of Alappuzha Medical College Hospital following a case of late delivery of dead bodies to the families of the deceased patients.
The association of medical college teachers has further criticized the attempt of the higher authorities to tie the entire responsibility of the incident to the superintendent, adding that the transfer is unnecessary especially when the superintendent has already sought voluntary retirement.
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The superintendent of Alappuzha MCH, Dr Ramlal who served the facility for decades was transferred and Dr. Sajeev George Pulikkal has been appointed as the new superintendent of the college. This came after allegations were raised against the hospital that the relatives of two patients were notified days after the two patients died. There were strong protests against the hospital authorities as the relatives were not informed of the death even though they were still in the hospital. The government had said it would take strict action regarding the incident after which the transfer order was issued.
Extending its support to Dr. Ramlal, KGMCTA stated, " His service as Superintendent, who led the Medical College Hospital through the greatest crisis it has ever faced, will always be remembered with gratitude."
As far as the unfortunate incident was concerned, the association stated, " The relatives of the two men were not informed in a timely manner. The emotional impact of not being able to know the death of their loved ones in a timely manner is immense. KGMCTA understands this, records their feelings, and shares their grief. "
However, the doctor's body pointed out that the uncontrolled increase in the number of COVID patients and the rejection of the organization's demand restricting the treatment facilities at the Medical College Hospital to emergency COVID patients only, have adversely affected the functioning of the Medical College Hospital. Hence, the condition of hospitals and the extreme work pressure on the doctors should be considered before putting blame on an individual for any mishap.
Meanwhile, Dr. Binoy S, State President‌ of KGMCTA stated, " No matter how effectively the system works, the fatigue that comes with having to bear the burden beyond what can be borne, that fatigue can probably become the cause of things like the contentious issue currently under discussion."
"Therefore, as Superintendent, KGMCTA condemns the attempts of the media and stakeholders to place the entire responsibility for the adverse events caused by the total disruption of the system on one's head and to propagate as punishment the transfer of a person who has voluntarily resigned. Thank you for the great services rendered by Dr. Ramlal", KGMCTA stated in a press release.
While condemning the act of transfer, the association has also congratulated Dr. Sajeev George Pulikkal and assured him that the organization will be with him for the efficient conduct of official affairs.