People pay their last respects to Vandana Das (inset) at her home. Twitter photo

The 22-year-old woman house surgeon succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment.

A medical official said the man, who was in a violent condition when brought to the hospital, picked up a surgical blade and attacked Vandana Das multiple times when she was attending to him.

"She was given emergency treatment and shifted to a premier hospital in the capital city. Despite best efforts, her life could not be saved," said a senior Indian Medical Association office-bearer.

According to an eyewitness, the 42-year-old school teacher Sandeep from Pooyapalli in Kollam district, had created a ruckus in his home and was brought to the hospital by police after he suffered injuries.

Sandeep, according to local legislator K.B. Ganesh Kumar, said was undergoing de-addiction therapy. "It's very sad that despite such incidents happening frequently, no action is taken after a probe. Stringent action should be taken in such cases," said the film star-turned-politician.

Ironically, the incident took place when some police officials were present at the hospital.

As the news spread, hundreds of doctors rushed to the hospital. "Despite promises, no action is being taken and hence we are going on a strike. We demand that strict action be taken without any more promises," they asserted.

The body was brought to her house late on Wednesday night after keeping it at the college where she studied near the capital district. There was an endless stream of mourners from all walks of life, many of whom had not even seen or met Vandana. Her parents were inconsolable, breaking down all the time.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan came to pay their last respects at a premier hospital in the capital city, where the woman doctor passed away.

Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has been drawing criticism from several quarters for her remark over the murder of Dr Vandana Das.

Reacting to the murder, George, a journalist-turned two time legislator, said this happened to the young doctor because she was not experienced to handle such attacks.

The minister's reply did not go down well with the medicos, and a woman doctor reacted sharply, "So it means we have to learn self defence also apart from learning medicine."

Leader of opposition V.D. Satheesan said this sad incident occurred as the police is "inefficient."

"It's been said the patient was brought to the hospital by a police team. They knew the patient was in a violent state and they failed to act appropriately. And the statement of George is untenable and it means that doctors should now learn karate and kalayaripayettu for their self-defence. This health minister will enter Guinness for becoming the minister who would have ordered the maximum probes," said Satheesan.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan said this shows the way the health sector in the state is run and it's come to a stage that the health sector doesn't have a proper and effective leader.

Indo-Asian News Service