Humiliated over insult, paediatrician plans to quit

MANGALURU: Humiliated by Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat president Meenakshi Shanthigodu’s harsh words, the pediatrician at the receiving end of it, who worked at the Puttur Government Hospital, has plans to put in her papers.
Dr Archana Karikala, was allegedly insulted by the ZP chief in front of patients, while on duty, and following this, she went on leave. A video of the ZP chief yelling at the doctor had gone viral. Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dakshina Kannada chapter, and Karnataka Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA), have sought an apology from the ZP president, and doctors’ forums are now waiting for the police’s response to the complaint filed by the paediatrician. “Citing the reason of enquiring about a patient’s health, the ZP chief has threatened and abused a sincerely working Dr Archana Karikala. This irresponsible behavior of the ZP president has caused immense pain to doctors and the public,” said Dr Sachidanand Rai, president, IMA, Mangaluru chapter.
“Due to mental agony caused, Dr Archana has taken leave now, and she may quit,” he added.
“We already have a shortage of staff, and this will create more problems for the government. We are waiting for police to act appropriately in the case. We request the district administration to take serious note of this shameful incident, take stringent action against the offender, and prevent such incidents in the future, so that doctors can work in a safe environment,” he added.
Puttur government hospital medical officer Dr Deepak Rai said the hospital is short staffed, with a majority of posts remaining vacant.
A case has been registered against the ZP president in Puttur women’s police station, under the Karnataka Prohibition of Violence against Medicare, Service Personnel and Damage to Property in Medicare Service Institutions Act, 2009.