Private hosp MD kicks pregnant nurse during conciliation meet in Thrissur

Thrissur: A conciliation meeting between the management of the Kunnamkulam-based private hospital and nurses regarding their salary ended in a ruckus after the managing director allegedly assaulted the staff.

Three female nurses, including a pregnant woman, were admitted to Thrissur General Hospital for the injuries caused during the alleged assault. They also have filed a case against the MD of Nyle Women's and Children's Super Speciality Hospital Dr Aloke V R and his wife Jitha Aloke. 

The meeting was convened by the district labour officer to find a solution to nurses' salary arrears and the termination of five nurses without prior notice.

The nurses alleged that Dr Aloke, kicked the pregnant nurse on her belly.

United Nurses Association National Secretary M V Sudeep, who was present at the meeting, said Alok tried to choke a nurse and kicked the pregnant woman before fleeing. 

"The hospital had terminated five nurses without serving them show-cause notice. This was reported to the labour officer Rashmi V and she convened a conciliation meeting on Thursday afternoon. During the meeting, Dr Aloke got violent when talks failed. He left the meeting after attacking and shouting at the nurses," said Sudeep.

Sources from the district labour office said the hospital MD did misbehave with the complainants. 

"All I can say is that a member of the hospital management did misbehave with the nurses and walked out of the conciliation meeting before it was concluded,” said a person privy to the meeting. 

Sudeep said the association would launch a state-wide protest against the assault on nurses on Friday.

Despite repeated attempts, Dr Aloke did not respond to Onmanorma's request for comments.

(The story will be revised as and when he responds.)

Meanwhile, the Thrissur Town West police said that both the hospital management and the nurses have filed petitions against each other on the issue.