Bhatkal: The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bhatkal, and the Karnataka State Government Medical Officers’ Association have demanded the arrest of those accused of assaulting two doctors at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Shirali within 24 hours.

The associations submitted a memorandum to the Assistant Commissioner of Bhatkal, seeking prompt action against those responsible.

According to the memorandum, Hema Satish Naik delivered a baby girl through normal delivery on October 26, with both mother and newborn reported to be healthy.

On October 28, at around 11.28 am, nursing staff noticed that the baby had turned blue while being breastfed and alerted the paediatrician. The infant was shifted to the labour room, where resuscitation measures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), were initiated. Despite efforts until around 11.45 am, the baby could not be revived, the memorandum stated.

The associations alleged that doctors and hospital staff were assaulted following the infant’s death and called for the accused to be arrested within 24 hours. They also sought a fair investigation and stronger security measures at healthcare facilities.

Dr. Savita Kamath, president of the Uttara Kannada district association; Janardana Moger, secretary of its Bhatkal unit; and Dr. Shruti Naik, administrative officer of the Shirali hospital, were among those present.