Survivor to Protest Outside Health Minister’s Residence Over ICU Assault Case

Fast summary

• ICU Case Protest: The survivor of the 2023 ICU sexual assault case at Government Medical College Hospital (MCH),Kozhikode,plans to stage a protest near the Health Minister’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram. This is in objection to the reappointment of five suspended hospital staff members who were accused of threatening her.
• Administrative Tribunal Decision: The Kerala Administrative Tribunal recently issued an order allowing these employees to return to Kozhikode. The survivor alleges government support for those accused.
• Principal Meeting & Sit-In: On September 18, 2025, accompanied by human rights activist Noushad Thekkayil, the survivor requested a copy of the report submitted by MCH Principal K.G. Sajeeth Kumar to the tribunal but was told to file an RTI request. A sit-in outside his office resulted in their preventive custody.
• Criminal Inquiry Allegations: Inspector General K. Sethuraman’s approved investigation reportedly incriminated five staffers accused of intimidation toward the survivor.
• Incident Background: On March 18, 2023, a hospital attendant allegedly sexually assaulted her under anaesthesia after surgery in ICU and was dismissed following internal inquiry findings.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This case highlights enduring systemic challenges within institutional frameworks for protecting survivors and implementing justice effectively.While disciplinary action was initially taken against those involved-including dismissal and transfers-the Kerala Administrative Tribunal’s rulings raise questions about balancing procedural fairness with accountability toward survivors.

The survivor’s planned protest emphasizes societal concerns about trustworthiness in public healthcare institutions where safety should be paramount-especially vulnerable patients recovering from medical procedures. allegations that promotions were blocked and favourable reports were submitted add complexity regarding administrative priorities versus ethical responsibilities.

Moving forward, ensuring transparent investigations and procedural adherence without compromising sensitivity toward survivors’ complaints is critical not only for judicial resolution but also for restoring public confidence in state-run healthcare systems.

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