Kerala’s government hospitals face a shortage of specialist doctors
Kerala's public health system is struggling with a severe shortage of over 280 specialist doctors, leading to patient referrals and service disruptions. Recent incidents of violence against medical staff have further highlighted the strain on government hospitals.
Why it matters
The shortage of specialists in public hospitals directly impacts the accessibility and quality of essential healthcare services for the general population.
Sini Jaleel, 48, a senior gynaecologist at the District Government Hospital at Perinthalmanna in Malappuram, was brutally attacked on April 2 this year by a group of women relatives of a patient who had died after childbirth due to postpartum haemorrhage nine days earlier. Dr. Jaleel was left with a fractured nose and other facial injuries.
At least five women who sought treatment at the Government Women and Child Hospital, Alappuzha, were reportedly referred to the Government Medical College Hospital in the district earlier this month. The referrals allegedly included patients who did not have serious medical conditions, prompting heated arguments between patients’ attendants and the hospital authorities.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in