Kozhikode: The Directorate of Medical Education has ordered the appointment of Senior Nursing Officer PB Anitha at Kozhikode Medical College. PB Anitha, the Senior Nursing Officer at Kozhikode Medical College, who was transferred for supporting the victim of an ICU sexual assault case, has been reinstated at Kozhikode Medical College. The Kerala government made this decision in response to widespread criticism and protests stemming from the Health Department’s failure to implement the High Court order to reinstate Anitha.
The state government made this decision after facing several criticisms and protests because the Kerala State Health Department had not implemented the Kerala High Court’s order to reinstate Anitha.
In the Directorate of Medical Education’s order, it is mentioned that Anitha has been appointed from April 1. The order states that the appointment is made based on the vacancy created by another one’s retirement. However, the order stipulates that the decision will be subject to the final judgment in the review petition filed yesterday.
Anitha was transferred to Idukki Medical College following the order of the Health Department after she came forward to support the victim in the Kozhikode Medical College ICU sexual assault case. She approached the High Court and the High Court ordered that Anitha should be re-appointed at Kozhikode Medical College by March 1. Despite having the Court order, the Health Department refused to appoint Anitha, citing that they cannot appoint without any order from the Kerala Secretariat. The department mentioned for an order from the Health Minister.
Anitha has been staging protests in front of the Medical College for the past six days against this decision. Several political leaders from the BJP supported Anitha, exerting pressure on the government and the Health Department, leading to the reappointment order.
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Health Minister, Veena George’s response to the issue became controversial. Veena George alleged that there was a mistake on the part of Senior Nursing Officer Anitha in protecting the victim of the ICU assault case. However, the victim herself came forward and stated that there was no mistake on Anitha’s part. In fact, the victim said that Anitha had protected her. The victim also took part in protests in support of Anitha. Several BJP leaders also extended their support to Anitha.
Although the Court ordered to appoint Anitha from March 1, Veena George now justifies that the order has not reached the concerned office.
According to reports, the incident took place on March 18, 2023. A female patient who underwent thyroid surgery was sexually assaulted in the surgical ICU of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital by an attender in the ICU. Anitha testified against the accused and reported to the police, as well as the investigation panel set up by the Directorate of Medical Education, that the victim was threatened by six staff members of the hospital. Following this incident, Anitha was ordered to be transferred to Idukki.
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