Health – Toddler Dies Days After Anaesthesia for Lip Injury in Kannur Hospital
Health – An 18-month-old boy who had been battling for his life for five days after undergoing anaesthesia for a minor lip injury has died at a private hospital in Kerala’s Kannur district. The child, Devansh Shouria, passed away on the night of July 10 while receiving intensive treatment at Baby Memorial Hospital in Kannur. The incident has sparked a police investigation and renewed concerns over complications associated with anaesthesia in young children.
Child Was Injured While Playing at Home
Devansh, the only son of T. Suraj and Vijisha, residents of Mathamangalam in Eramam-Kuttoor grama panchayat, suffered a cut on his lip after falling in the courtyard of his home on July 5. According to family members, he was taken to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur, where doctors decided to stitch the wound under anaesthesia.
Soon after the anaesthesia was administered, the child’s health deteriorated rapidly. He reportedly lost consciousness and never recovered. As his condition became critical, doctors shifted him to the hospital’s Kannur unit for advanced treatment. Despite continuous medical care over the following days, he died at around 9 p.m. on Friday.
Police Register Case Against Anaesthetist
Earlier on the day of the child’s death, the Payyannur police registered a case against the anaesthetist, Dr. Anjali Poduval, following a complaint submitted by the child’s relative, K. Rajeevan of Eramam.
The case has been filed under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a provision that relates to acts endangering human life or personal safety. The offence carries a maximum punishment of up to three months’ imprisonment if proven.
Authorities are expected to examine medical records and other evidence as part of the ongoing investigation to determine whether any negligence occurred during the treatment.
Hospital Rejects Allegations of Negligence
Baby Memorial Hospital has strongly denied claims of medical negligence in the case. In its earlier statement, the hospital said the child experienced an unexpected cardiac arrest immediately after the administration of anaesthesia.
According to the hospital, doctors immediately initiated emergency treatment, placed the child on ventilator support, and transferred him to its Kannur facility for specialised critical care. The management stated that recognised medical protocols were followed throughout the treatment process.
The hospital further explained that serious complications can occur in rare cases after anaesthesia despite appropriate dosage and accepted medical practices. It maintained that every possible effort was made by the medical team to save the child’s life.
Family Faces Irreparable Loss
The death has deeply affected the child’s family. Devansh was born after eight years of marriage, making him the only child of his parents. Relatives and local residents gathered to support the grieving family as news of the tragedy spread across the area.
The incident has also drawn public attention, with many calling for a detailed and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the treatment and the events that followed.
Protest Held Outside Hospital
Meanwhile, members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) organised a protest march to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur. The protesters demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and appropriate action if any lapses in medical care are established.
Police officials are continuing their investigation while awaiting further findings that may help clarify the sequence of events leading to the child’s death. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to determine whether any legal action beyond the registered case will follow.