Doc's killing outcome of systemic failure: Kerala HC

One-liner: The Kerala HC on Thursday said the killing of a 23-year-old doctor at a taluk hospital in the Kollam district of the state a day ago by a man she was treating was the outcome of the systemic failure.

Protocols for ensuring safety: A special bench directed the State Police Chief to come out with a new set of protocols for ensuring the security of the doctors and other healthcare professionals in all govt hospitals in the state.

• The court said that if another doctor or healthcare professional is attacked, the State DGP would be held responsible

Assurance: During the hearing of the matter, State Police Chief Anil Kant and ADGP Law and Order M R Ajith Kumar told the bench that they would come out with a new set of protocols within a week.

Trained personnel available: They also told the court that the State Industrial Security Force (SISF) has young, armed and trained personnel picked from the police and are available for deployment at hospitals on a payment basis.

Bottom line: However, the state govt would have to decide whether they will foot the bill for the deployment of these personnel in the govt hospitals.