At last, the Pinarayi Government bowed down before the stiff opposition from the victims as well as the general public and reappointed P B Anita in Kozhikode Medical College Hospital as the Chief Nursing Officer. It marked the culmination of the six-day agitation against the Government’s arrogant stand. Anita was kept away from the position as a ‘punishment’ for supporting a victim of sexual abuse. But, as the agitation gathered momentum day by day, at last, the Government instructed the Director of Medical Education (DME) to reinstate Anita in the Kozhikode Medical College itself. She shall continue in Kozhikode Medical College Hospital until the final verdict pronounced. That she was not reinstated despite the High Court order had stirred controversy. Anita has been protesting against the Government’s adamant stand for six days. She got a favourable order from the Government on April 6, the 6th day since the protests commenced. She said, she was happy about getting justice at last. She would put an end to the protests as soon as she gets the order.
The ‘survivor’ of the sexual abuse was with Anita, too, as a support to her (Anita’s) protests. Anita’s stand was intransigent not to retreat from the protests. The Health Minister instructed the department to take action based on legal advice. And the Government is reported to have instructed DME to reinstate Anita in Kozhikode until the final court verdict comes. DME has been maintaining that the appointment shall be executed after the Revision Petition order is obtained. High Court had issued its order against the transfer of Anita. DME report said that she was threatened by five people due to her ‘irresponsible approach’. And, she was transferred to Idukki Medical College. But, she got a favourable order from the High Court.
Still, the Government transferred Anita, Chief Nursing Officer and Nursing Superintendent, as a punishment for sticking to their stand regarding the sexual abuse before the Special Inquiry Commission and the Police. Later on both got transfer to Kozhikode as Kerala Administrative Tribunal stayed the transfer. But, the State Government argued that there was no vacancy for Anita there. In fact, someone had been appointed when Anita was away due to her transfer.
The episode commenced on March 18, 2023. A young woman in a semiconscious state was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital after undergoing surgery. One of those days, a male attendant sexually abused her in the ICU. The victim complained to the authorities. Then, six women employees threatened her to withdraw her complaint. Anita reported it before the authorities; consequently, all six were suspended from the service.
Anita’s protests got wholehearted support from outsiders also. Several voluntary organisations had joined the protests. The ‘ICU survivor’ joined Anita’s protest too.
The victory of Anita revealed two factors: The innocent people cannot expect justice from Pinarayi regime. And, powerful resistance can bring any despot to his knees.
