Kannur toddler dies after anaesthesia for lip wound stitches; family alleges medical negligence

An 18-month-old boy, the only child of his parents, has died after being administered anaesthesia for stitching a wound on his lips at a hospital in Kannur, Kerala. The family of the deceased has lodged a police complaint against a doctor, alleging medical negligence, following which a case has been lodged.

Treatment after fall

The deceased, son of T Suraj and Vijisha, who live in Eramam-Kuttoor in Kannur, fell while playing outside his home on July 5. After the incident, he was initially taken to the primary health centre in Mathamangalam, where he was administered first aid.

Also Read: Kerala medical student murdered in Uzbekistan: family alleges torture, case lodged

Later, he was shifted to the Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur, where he was administered anaesthesia before his wound was stitched. However, he allegedly did not regain consciousness thereafter, reported NDTV.

The report further stated that he was later taken to the Baby Memorial Hospital in Kannur, where he died at around 9 pm on Friday (July 10).

Negligence case filed

Following the incident, the family of the child accused a doctor, Anjali Poduval, of medical negligence and filed a police complaint against her based on which a case was lodged against her under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), dealing with acts endangering life or personal safety.

Also Read: Wayanad landslide: Kerala expert panel to probe contractor's role in tunnel tragedy

The report further stated that the Baby Memorial Hospital, with branches in Kozhikode, Kannur, Thodupuzha, Payyanur and Vadakara, has denied that medical negligence was involved in the child’s death.

The hospital issued a statement wherein it reportedly said that immediately after being administered anaesthesia, the child suffered a cardiac arrest and was swiftly placed under ventilator support before he was rushed to the Kannur hospital for advanced critical care.

Hospital denies lapse

The hospital further stated that complications can occur after anaesthesia is administered, despite correct dosage and medical care, adding that all accepted treatment protocols were followed.

It stated that every possible effort had been made to save the child's life.

Also Read: 3 more bodies recovered from Wayanad landslide site; death toll rises to 6

Following the incident, Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan said on Saturday (July 11) that a probe will be conducted by the District Medical Officer (DMO).

The minister further stated that even though it was private hospital, such treatment should not be permitted.

"It was reported yesterday, and the DMO (District Medical Officer) will inquire into the matter. We have filed a complaint with the police department as well. Although it is a private hospital, that type of treatment should not be permitted," he told ANI.

Post-mortem conducted

Earlier in the day, the post-mortem examination of the deceased was conducted at Kannur Government Medical College.

Meanwhile, Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) workers staged a protest march to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur, demanding action in relation to the child’s death.