Key Points:
KGMOA launches OP boycott over doctor’s suspension.
Dr Bindu Sundar suspended after newborn death at Nedumangad hospital.
Expert panel reportedly flagged surgical delays.
Patient Hasna Fathima levels separate negligence claim.
Doctors warn of statewide agitation if suspension is not revoked.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association has intensified its agitation against the suspension of gynecologist Dr. Bindu Sundar following the death of a newborn at Nedumangad District Hospital. The association has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the suspension and warned of a statewide protest if the government fails to act.
The protest has already disrupted outpatient services and may expand across the district and state in the coming days.
Doctors under the banner of the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association began boycotting outpatient services at Nedumangad District Hospital on Monday. The association announced that the protest will extend to all government hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram district on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
The association also declared that its members will boycott duties related to the upcoming Attukal Pongala festival, one of the largest religious gatherings in the state.
KGMOA leaders warned that if the government does not revoke the suspension order, they will escalate the protest statewide.
The association has placed three key demands before the state government:
Immediate withdrawal of Dr. Bindu Sundar’s suspension
Arrest of those allegedly involved in assaulting the hospital superintendent
Establishment of a permanent police aid post at Nedumangad District Hospital to ensure the safety of healthcare workers
The association maintains that the suspension was unfair and demoralizing to government doctors.
The controversy began after a newborn died following a caesarean section at Nedumangad District Hospital. A three member expert panel from SAT Hospital examined the case and reportedly found delays and procedural lapses in conducting the surgery.
Following the preliminary findings, the government suspended Dr. Bindu Sundar pending a detailed inquiry and possible disciplinary proceedings.
The suspension triggered protests from the medical fraternity, which argues that doctors are being targeted without a complete and transparent investigation.
The issue gained further attention after 23 year old Hasna Fathima filed a complaint against Dr. Bindu Sundar regarding a previous surgery.
Fathima alleged that during a caesarean section performed on June 19, 2025, she suffered a 2.7 centimeter tear in her rectum, leading to severe complications and multiple corrective surgeries. She also claimed she was asked to pay Rs 2,000 for treatment.
Dr. Sundar has denied the allegations, stating that the injury was not caused by surgical negligence.
Fathima’s family has said the complications resulted in prolonged suffering and significant financial hardship.
KGMOA leaders have stated that the current protest marks only the beginning of a larger agitation if their demands remain unmet. The association, which represents government medical officers across Kerala, has accused the administration of failing to protect doctors and ensure workplace safety.
With services already affected in Thiruvananthapuram district, further escalation could impact healthcare delivery across the state.
The government has yet to issue a detailed public response to the association’s latest protest call.
(Rh/ARC)
