Kerala Toddler Dies After Anaesthesia for Lip Injury; Doctor Booked

An 18-month-old boy, identified as Devansh Shouria (or Shaurya), tragically died in Kerala's Kannur district on Friday, July 10, after developing severe complications following the administration of anaesthesia for a minor lip injury. The incident has sparked widespread concern and protests, with his family alleging medical negligence. The toddler, the only child of T. Suraj and Vijisha from Mathamangalam in Eramam-Kuttoor grama panchayat, sustained a cut on his lip on July 5 while playing at his home. His parents initially took him to the Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur for treatment, where doctors decided to suture the wound under anaesthesia. According to the family, Devansh's condition deteriorated significantly soon after the anaesthesia was administered, and he never regained consciousness. As his condition worsened, he was reportedly shifted to the Baby Memorial Hospital's Kannur unit for specialised critical care. Despite intensive treatment for five days, the child succumbed to the complications and passed away around 9 p.m. on Friday, July 10. The family has vehemently accused the hospital and the medical staff of negligence, specifically pointing to alleged issues with the anaesthesia. They claim they were not adequately informed about the risks associated with anaesthesia for a child of his age and suspect an excessive dose was administered, leading to brain damage. These allegations have prompted a formal complaint to the police. Following the complaint lodged by the child's relative, K. Rajeevan, the Payyannur police registered a case against the anaesthetist involved, Dr. Anjali Poduval. The doctor has been booked under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses acts endangering human life or personal safety. This section carries a maximum punishment of three months' imprisonment, and a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the toddler's death is currently underway. In response to the accusations, Baby Memorial Hospital has issued a statement vehemently denying any medical negligence. The hospital authorities assert that Devansh suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest immediately after the anaesthesia was administered. They claim that emergency treatment was initiated promptly, including placing the child on ventilator support, and that he was then transferred to the Kannur facility for advanced critical care. The hospital's statement also mentioned that while rare, complications can occur following anaesthesia, even when administered appropriately and with all accepted treatment protocols followed, and that every possible effort was made to save the child's life. The tragic incident has garnered significant attention and led to protests by various organisations, including the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Youth Congress, and AIYF, outside the Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur, demanding accountability and justice for the toddler's death. The investigation is ongoing, and the post-mortem report will be crucial in determining the exact cause of death and whether medical negligence played a role. The family's emotional plea for justice underscores the need for thorough investigation and transparency in medical procedures, especially concerning minors. The incident highlights concerns about patient safety and accountability in private healthcare facilities in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest