Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital doctor placed on leave after viral video

A medical officer at Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital in Kerala’s Kollam district has been placed on compulsory leave following a viral video showing her allegedly behaving inappropriately toward a patient and their attendants.

The incident occurred in the hospital’s casualty department after a patient arrived after midnight suffering from fever and severe body pain. In the video, the doctor, identified as Dr. Rekha Krishnan, is heard telling the patient and bystanders that fever and body pain do not constitute a real emergency and questioning why they sought treatment at that hour. Despite the patient’s wife noting a history of heart problems, the doctor reportedly refused to examine him.

Following public outrage, the hospital superintendent issued a show-cause notice to Dr. Krishnan. The District Medical Officer has since directed her to proceed on mandatory leave, and the Health Department’s vigilance wing has launched an official inquiry into the matter.