Date:04/02/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/02/04/stories/2004020405380300.htm

Kerala - Alappuzha

Doctor injured in scuffle at MCH

By Our Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA, FEB. 3. The head of the Paediatrics Department of the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital, Sathyanji, was hospitalised today with injuries following a scuffle with another doctor in the department.

Dr. Sathyanji and Prathapan, assistant professor, came to blows following the former's directive not to operate a patient recommended by Dr. Prathapan. Dr. Sathyanji had pointed out that the operation was unnecessary, following which the scuffle occurred.

The medical college Principal ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Meanwhile, two members of Alappuzha Medical College Hospital Development Committee, Maithili Padmanabhan and Rajendra V. Babu, in a statement today noted that Dr. Sathyanji was attacked for his opposition to private practice. They noted that Dr. Sathyanji did not engage in private practice.