Kerala Man Tries To Sexually Assault Female Doctor In Pathanapuram, Arrested

In a shocking incident, a youth tried to sexually assault a female doctor at a clinic in Pathanapuram in Kerala on Saturday night, Mathrubhumi reported.

As per the report, the man was arrested and identified as a 25-year-old man, Saldhan from Kundayam.

Saldhan allegedly entered the clinic while the doctor was on duty alone, attempted to gag her with a cloth, and tied her hands. However, the cloth slipped, and her screams alerted local residents, causing him to flee. He was later apprehended by the Pathanapuram police.

The incident has ignited public outrage and intensified demands for improved security measures for medical professionals, particularly during night shifts. This incident is not isolated, as violence against doctors in India is a pervasive issue.

A History of Violence Against Medical Professionals

According to the Indian Medical Association, roughly 75% of doctors in India have experienced some form of workplace violence. While most incidents involve verbal abuse, physical assaults, grievous injuries, and even murder have occurred. Emergency rooms and intensive care units are particularly vulnerable, especially during visiting hours.

Several high-profile cases underscore the severity of the problem:

August 2024, Kolkata: A 31-year-old female postgraduate trainee doctor at R. G. Kar Medical College was tragically raped and murdered on campus, leading to widespread protests and strikes by doctors nationwide. This prompted advisories from the Supreme Court and central government, along with the formation of a National Task Force to address doctor safety.

2023, Kerala: Dr. Vandana Das was fatally stabbed by a patient brought in by the police. This incident sparked significant public anger and resulted in stricter state laws aimed at preventing hospital violence.

2024, Tamil Nadu: Senior oncologist Balaji Jagannathan was brutally stabbed by a patient's relative, further highlighting the escalating hostility faced by healthcare workers.

These incidents collectively emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect medical professionals across India.