The shocking incident in Pathanapuram, where a 25-year-old man attempted to sexually assault a woman doctor on night duty, has stirred widespread anger and concern across Kerala. The accused, identified as Saldhan from Kundayam, brazenly trespassed into the hospital premises under the cover of darkness, targeting the doctor who was alone on duty. His actions—stuffing a cloth into her mouth and tying her hands—suggest a premeditated and violent intent. Thankfully, the doctor’s presence of mind and sheer courage in screaming for help once the cloth slipped from her mouth helped avert a potential tragedy.
Local residents, alerted by the doctor’s cries, responded quickly and rushed to the hospital, forcing the assailant to flee the scene. The swift action by the Pathanapuram police in tracking down and arresting Saldhan has been praised, but it has also raised serious questions about the lack of adequate security measures in healthcare facilities, particularly during night shifts. Hospitals, especially those in remote or semi-urban areas, are often poorly guarded, leaving medical professionals—many of whom are women—vulnerable to threats, harassment, or worse.
The incident has triggered a wave of public outrage, with citizens, health workers, and women’s rights groups demanding urgent intervention from authorities. The safety of doctors and healthcare workers should be non-negotiable, and this case has highlighted a glaring gap in infrastructure and policy. There are increasing calls for better security protocols, including the deployment of guards during night hours, installation of CCTV cameras, panic buttons in consulting rooms, and immediate police response systems. Protecting those who dedicate their lives to saving others should be a national priority—not an afterthought following tragedy.
Local residents, alerted by the doctor’s cries, responded quickly and rushed to the hospital, forcing the assailant to flee the scene. The swift action by the Pathanapuram police in tracking down and arresting Saldhan has been praised, but it has also raised serious questions about the lack of adequate security measures in healthcare facilities, particularly during night shifts. Hospitals, especially those in remote or semi-urban areas, are often poorly guarded, leaving medical professionals—many of whom are women—vulnerable to threats, harassment, or worse.
The incident has triggered a wave of public outrage, with citizens, health workers, and women’s rights groups demanding urgent intervention from authorities. The safety of doctors and healthcare workers should be non-negotiable, and this case has highlighted a glaring gap in infrastructure and policy. There are increasing calls for better security protocols, including the deployment of guards during night hours, installation of CCTV cameras, panic buttons in consulting rooms, and immediate police response systems. Protecting those who dedicate their lives to saving others should be a national priority—not an afterthought following tragedy.
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