Medical Negligence – Kerala Police Probe Toddler’s Death After Minor Injury Treatment
Medical Negligence – An 18-month-old child lost his life after developing severe complications during treatment for a minor lip injury at a private hospital in Kerala, prompting a police investigation into allegations of medical negligence.
An 18-month-old boy died at a private hospital in Kannur, Kerala, several days after his condition reportedly became critical following the administration of anaesthesia during treatment for a minor lip injury. The child, identified as Devansh Shouria, had initially been admitted to the hospital’s Payyannur branch before being transferred to its Kannur facility for advanced medical care. Despite continuous treatment, he passed away on Friday night. Devansh was the only child of T. Suraj and Vijisha, residents of Mathamangalam in Eramam-Kuttoor grama panchayat, and was born after eight years of marriage.
Injury Led to Hospital Visit
According to family members, the incident began on July 5 when the toddler sustained a cut on his lip after falling while playing near his home. He was taken to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur, where doctors recommended stitching the wound. As part of the procedure, anaesthesia was administered before the treatment was carried out.
Relatives alleged that the child’s health deteriorated almost immediately after receiving the anaesthesia. They stated that he did not regain consciousness following the procedure. As his condition worsened, doctors shifted him to the hospital’s Kannur unit for specialised treatment and intensive care. However, after several days of medical support, the child died at around 9 p.m. on Friday.
Police Register Case
Following the child’s death, members of the family raised allegations of medical negligence and approached the police seeking legal action. Based on a complaint submitted by the child’s relative, K. Rajeevan, the Payyannur Police registered a case against the anaesthetist, Dr. Anjali Poduval.
The case has been filed under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a legal provision dealing with acts that endanger human life or personal safety. The offence carries a maximum punishment of three months’ imprisonment. Investigators have begun examining the sequence of events, medical records, and other relevant evidence to determine whether any negligence occurred during the treatment.
Hospital Rejects Negligence Claims
Baby Memorial Hospital has denied the allegations made by the family and maintained that its medical team followed all established treatment protocols. In an official statement, the hospital said the child experienced an unexpected cardiac arrest shortly after the administration of anaesthesia, describing the event as a rare medical complication.
According to the hospital, doctors immediately initiated emergency resuscitation measures, provided ventilator support, and transferred the child to its Kannur facility, where specialised critical care was available. The management stated that every possible effort was made to stabilise the child and continue life-saving treatment.
Investigation Continues
The circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death are now under official investigation. Police are expected to examine medical documentation, seek expert opinions if necessary, and record statements from those involved in the treatment process. Authorities have not reached any conclusions regarding responsibility, and the inquiry remains ongoing as investigators work to establish the exact cause of the incident.