Medical negligence alleged in toddler’s death

The one-and-a-half-year-old boy who reportedly became unconscious after being administered anaesthesia at Baby Memorial Hospital, Payyannur, died while undergoing treatment at its Kannur facility on Friday.

The deceased, son of Suraj and Vijisha of Erammam, was admitted to the hospital at Payyannur on July 5 following a lip injury.

According to the family, the child lost consciousness soon after being administered anaesthesia for treatment. He was subsequently shifted to Baby Memorial Hospital, Kannur, where he had been on ventilator support.

The family alleged that medical negligence at the Payyannur hospital had led to the child’s loss of consciousness. The police registered a case against the anaesthetist, Dr. Anjali Poduval, following a complaint filed by the child’s relative. The complaint alleged that negligence in administering anaesthesia had caused the child to suffer brain damage.

The hospital authorities had earlier denied the allegation of medical negligence. A statement issued by the hospital said the child suffered cardiac arrest immediately after the administration of anaesthesia, a known but rare complication that can occur irrespective of the dosage.

It said the child was immediately placed on ventilator support and provided the maximum possible treatment before being shifted to the Kannur hospital for advanced intensive care.