Kerala Human Rights Commission probes night shoot at Angamaly Taluk hospital

The Kerala Human Rights Commission has taken action following an all-night film shoot at the casualty department of Angamaly Taluk Hospital on Thursday, which reportedly hindered patient access to the facility.

Commission member VK Beenakumari has directed the Ernakulam District Medical Officer and the Superintendent of Angamaly Taluk Hospital to submit an explanation within seven days regarding the permission granted for the shoot in the emergency department of the government hospital.

According to reports by On Manorama, the film, titled 'Painkli' and produced by actor Fahad Fazil, began shooting at 9 pm on Thursday. Allegations have surfaced that the lighting in the emergency room was dimmed to facilitate the film shoot. Approximately 50 individuals, including actors, were present in the emergency department during the shoot. It is reported that the filming continued even as doctors were attending to patients. In a particularly alarming incident, a critically ill patient was allegedly prevented from entering the emergency department, with no access granted through the main gate.
Despite these serious allegations, the producers' association has refuted claims that the shooting disrupted the hospital's operations. Manorama News reported that the producers paid Rs 10,000 as a fee for the night's shoot. However, the Human Rights Commission has acted suo motu (an act of authority taken without formal prompting from another party), based on reports from visual and print media, to investigate the potential breach of patient rights and hospital protocol.
In their press release, the Commission emphasized the need to balance the interests of film production with the essential function of healthcare facilities, highlighting the priority of patient care over other activities.