Palakkad Medical College House Surgeons Strike Over Missing Emergency Facilities

House surgeons at the Government Medical College Hospital in Palakkad have gone on strike, protesting the absence of basic facilities required for emergency care at the institution.

The doctors say the hospital lacks essential diagnostic services, including X-ray and CT scan facilities, which are critical for treating patients arriving at the emergency department. They argue that such deficiencies are unacceptable for a medical college hospital.

The strike was triggered after two doctors injured in an accident on the campus had to be referred to the Government District Hospital for treatment. According to the striking doctors, patients requiring X-rays or CT scans are routinely sent to the district hospital, where completing the tests and obtaining reports can take three to four hours.

The junior doctors warn that this delay could endanger patients, particularly those in critical condition. They also allege that the emergency department itself lacks the basic infrastructure needed to provide timely and adequate care, and are demanding immediate corrective action.