In the wake of a 22-year-old woman doctor’s murder in Kottarakkara, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called for an emergency meeting on Thursday afternoon to ensure the safety of health workers.

Matters such as lawmaking will be discussed in the meeting. Doctors across the state have been protesting demanding a strict law for the protection of medical professionals. Though a doctors’ Protection Bill exists, doctors want it to be amended for stringent measures. They also want hospitals to be safe zones.

The meeting will be held at 3.30 pm at the chief minister's conference hall.

The health minister, chief secretary, home secretary, health secretary, legal secretary, director of medical education, state police chief, ADGPs and other concerned department heads will be part of the meeting.

On Wednesday, a 22-year-old lady doctor was stabbed by a dunk patient at a taluk hospital in Kottarakkara. The man was taken to the hospital after he had engaged in a fight with his family members, police said.

A police official at the Kottarakkara police station said when a wound on the man's leg was being dressed by the doctor; he suddenly got provoked and attacked everyone standing around using a scissor and scalpel. Police said the man, identified as 42-year-old Sandeep, was a resident of Puyapalli Cherukarakonam and a teacher by profession.