Film Shoot At Kerala Hospital Causes Inconvenience To Patients. Human Rights Body To Probe

A film shoot at the emergency ward of Angamaly Taluk Hospital flared a controversy after many patients complained of discomfort and inconvenience. The shooting of the Malayalam film Painkili, produced by actor Fahad Faasil, took place at the hospital’s emergency ward on Thursday evening. The shooting was scheduled for two days. The hospital was to be portrayed as a private hospital in the film.

According to media reports, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission on Friday registered a case against the authorities for allowing the filming at the hospital. The commission found that the patients who came to the facility were harassed by the filming. The commission took note of media reports in this regard and sought an explanation from the Ernakulam District Medical Officer and the hospital superintendent.

“Restrictions were imposed during the shooting of the film. Around 50 people, including artists, were present in the emergency ward. It was found that the doctors were holding consultations in the facility when the shooting was taking place. The emergency ward of Angamaly Taluk Hospital has limited infrastructure and a patient in critical condition was not allowed inside. The patients and bystanders were also instructed to remain silent,” said Beena Kumari, a member of the commission.

The health authorities in Ernakulam denied the allegations and stressed that the operation of the emergency department was not affected by the filming. A report on the events on Thursday night had been submitted to the Director of Health Services. According to an official of the health department in Ernakulam, a report has been submitted to the Directorate of Health Services (DHS). “Further action will be taken at the state level,” the official said.

Officials of the Kerala Film Producers Association also refuted claims that the shooting had caused inconvenience to patients and bystanders. The production department had prior permission before starting work after paying the required fee of around Rs 10,000. Someone had taken footage of the shooting and circulated it in online media as if it was affecting hospital operations, they said.