Thrissur: Senior Nursing Officer PB Anitha at Kozhikode Medical College confirmed that she will proceed with a contempt of court petition against the Kerala government. Anitha made this statement to the media after receiving the reinstatement order for Kozhikode Medical College following a six-day protest against the Kerala government. Earlier, Anitha had been ordered to transfer to Idukki for supporting a victim of sexual assault in the ICU at Kozhikode Medical College.
Anitha asserted that the Kerala government had not supported her and that she was compelled to approach the High Court. Therefore, she affirmed that the contempt of court petition filed against the Kerala government cannot be withdrawn. Anitha expressed her hope for justice in court, emphasizing that she had never violated her professional ethics and had only performed her duties thus far.
With six more years of service ahead, Anitha emphasized that it is the duty of the Kerala government and the staff at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital to provide security and protection to patients seeking treatment. She reiterated her determination to pursue contempt of court proceedings against the Kerala state government.
Despite a High Court order to reappoint Anitha by March 1, the Kerala State Health Department refused to appoint, stating they could not appoint without an order from the Kerala Secretariat or the Health Minister.
In response, Anitha staged protests in front of the Medical College for six days, with support from several BJP political leaders who exerted pressure on the government and the Health Department, leading to the reinstatement order.
Meanwhile, Kerala State Health Minister Veena George’s response to the issue sparked controversy. Veena George alleged that the Nurse Anitha had made a mistake 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 affirmed that Anitha had indeed protected her and participated in protests in support of Anitha.
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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