An 18-month-old child from Kerala died days after falling unconscious during a medical procedure at a private hospital in Kannur, prompting a police investigation into allegations of medical negligence. The tragic incident has sparked fresh concerns over patient safety during routine medical procedures involving young children.
Devansh Shaurya, the only son of T Suraj and Vijisha from Eramam-Kuttoor in Kannur district in Kerala, had sustained a cut on his lip after falling while playing outside his home on July 5. After receiving first aid at a government primary health centre in Mathamangalam, he was taken to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur for further treatment, where doctors decided to stitch the wound under anaesthesia.
Police register case after family’s complaint
According to the family, the child became unconscious soon after the anaesthesia was administered. He was immediately shifted to Baby Memorial Hospital in Kannur, Kerala, for advanced treatment but remained in critical condition before passing away on Friday night.
The grieving family has accused the treating doctor, Anjali Poduval, of medical negligence. Based on their complaint, Kerala’s Kannur police have registered a case under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with acts endangering life or personal safety. Authorities have begun an investigation to determine whether there was any lapse in medical care.
Officials are expected to examine medical records, treatment procedures and expert opinions as part of the inquiry.
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Hospital says child suffered unexpected cardiac arrest
According to NDTV, rejecting the allegations, Baby Memorial Hospital, Kerala, said the child experienced an unexpected cardiac arrest immediately after receiving anaesthesia.
In an official statement, the hospital said doctors promptly placed the child on ventilator support before transferring him to its Kannur facility for specialised critical care. The management maintained that all accepted medical protocols were followed throughout the treatment.
The hospital also stated that although anaesthesia-related complications are rare, they can occur even when appropriate dosages and standard procedures are followed.
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Investigation likely to examine treatment protocols
According to NDTV, the case is expected to draw attention to the administration of anaesthesia in paediatric patients and the emergency response mechanisms followed during medical complications.
Medical experts say complications arising from anaesthesia, though uncommon, require immediate intervention and detailed review to determine the underlying cause. The findings of the investigation may establish whether the incident resulted from an unavoidable medical complication or any negligence during treatment.