Kerala Woman to Stage Satyagraha Over Surgical Negligence at Health Minister's Residence
In a dramatic escalation of her long-standing battle for justice, K K Harshina, who suffered severe complications due to alleged surgical negligence at Government Medical College in Kozhikode, is set to stage a satyagraha (peaceful protest) in front of Health Minister Veena George's official residence in Thiruvananthapuram. The demonstration is scheduled for 10 AM on Wednesday, highlighting growing public concern over systemic failures in Kerala's healthcare system and perceived delays in delivering justice to Harshina.
A Seven-Year Ordeal of Pain and Neglect
Harshina's harrowing medical journey began in 2017 when surgical scissors were reportedly left inside her abdomen during a caesarean section procedure at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. The foreign object remained undetected for years, causing chronic pain and persistent health issues that severely impacted her quality of life. It was not until September 2022 that the scissors were finally removed, but the physical and emotional scars continue to haunt Harshina to this day.
In the subsequent investigation, two doctors and two nurses were named in the police case filed in connection with the incident. However, according to the protest committee organizing Wednesday's demonstration, a stay on further proceedings in the case by the high court has added to the family's mounting frustration. The committee alleges that the prosecution did not adequately align itself with Harshina's interests, contributing to significant judicial delays in the trial process.
Government Inaction and Deteriorating Health
Organizers describe the situation as a serious failure on the government's part, accusing authorities of being unresponsive despite Harshina's deteriorating health condition. Her ongoing medical treatment, which continues to this day, has been financially supported by funds provided by opposition leader V D Satheesan, according to the protest committee.
Leaders of the committee have leveled serious accusations against the state government, claiming it has turned a blind eye to Harshina's plight. They argue that the satyagraha aims to force accountability from health authorities and bring attention to what they describe as systemic negligence within Kerala's public healthcare infrastructure.
Political Dimensions and Healthcare Criticism
The satyagraha will be inaugurated by former Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, adding political weight to the protest. This demonstration comes against a backdrop of wider criticism of the state government's handling of public health issues. Earlier this year, opposition leaders, including Satheesan, described Kerala's public health sector as being "on ventilator support", citing critical shortages of surgical equipment and unacceptable delays in treatment at government medical colleges.
These criticisms have been aimed directly at Health Minister Veena George and her department, creating a tense political environment around healthcare governance in the state. The protest committee emphasizes that Harshina's case represents not just an individual tragedy but a symptom of broader systemic problems affecting countless patients across Kerala's public healthcare system.
Demanding Accountability and Systemic Reform
As Harshina prepares for her peaceful protest, her story has become a rallying point for those demanding greater transparency, accountability, and reform in Kerala's healthcare system. The satyagraha represents a desperate plea for justice from a woman who has endured years of physical suffering and bureaucratic indifference.
The protest committee maintains that until the government addresses Harshina's case with seriousness and implements systemic changes to prevent similar incidents, public trust in Kerala's healthcare institutions will continue to erode. Wednesday's demonstration marks a crucial moment in this ongoing struggle for medical accountability and patient rights in the state.
