IMA urges Kerala govt. to refrain from taking disciplinary action against MCH doctor

The Kerala State branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has written to the State government, expressing hope that it will take a “balanced and empathetic view” of the so-called violation of rules of conduct by Haris Chirackal, Head of Urology, Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) and refrain from taking any further disciplinary action against the doctor, who is a senior specialist known for his dedication and professional integrity. Dr. Chirackal had gone public regarding inadequacies, such as availability of equipment, at the MCH, thereby affecting patient care.

In its letter, IMA said that it understood the government’s argument that issuing a show cause notice was part of a routine administrative procedure when there is a perceived deviation from the conduct rules applicable to government servants.

It said that IMA has always partnered with the government in advancing public health goals and ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all. At the same time, it was important that the concerns of doctors and healthcare workers who are the backbone of the healthcare delivery system are heard and addressed without punitive responses, IMA said in its statement.

It reiterated its commitment to work collaboratively with the Health department to ensure both the welfare of the public and the professional dignity and working conditions of healthcare providers.