Dentist dismissed after joining black flag protest against Minister in Keralam
A dentist appointed on a temporary basis at the Kanhangad District Hospital under the National Health Mission (NHM) has been removed from service after participating in a black flag protest organised by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) against Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh in Kanhangad.
Health authorities said Dr. Sidharth Ravindran’s involvement in the political protest amounted to a violation of the terms and conditions he agreed to at the time of his appointment.
Protest during Minister’s visit
The incident took place on Thursday when Mr. Janeesh visited Kasaragod district to attend a series of programmes. The DYFI staged a black flag protest at Kanhangad, during which photographs emerged showing Dr. Ravindran waving a black flag at the Minister’s vehicle.
Police case and complaint to Health Department
The Hosdurg police registered a case against Dr. Ravindran in connection with the protest. In a separate development, Youth Congress activists submitted a complaint to the Health Department, attaching photographs that purportedly showed the doctor’s participation in the demonstration. Officials initiated action following the complaint.
Basis for dismissal
According to officials, the dismissal order cited a breach of the agreement Dr. Ravindran signed with the District Health and Family Welfare Society at the time of his appointment. Health authorities stated that his participation in a political protest was contrary to the terms of that agreement and formed the basis for the action.
Significance
The action underscores the enforcement of service conditions for healthcare personnel engaged under the NHM, particularly concerning participation in political activities while under contract. No further official statements were immediately available from the parties involved.
