Kattakada doctor refutes negligence allegations in child's death

Thiruvananthapuram: A doctor from a private hospital in Kattakada has denied allegations of medical negligence following the death of a two-and-a-half-year-old child who was admitted with breathing difficulty and fatigue.

The deceased, one of a pair of twins, was taken to the Mamal hospital at Kattakada after developing tiredness and respiratory distress. She was initially given steam inhalation and was later administered two injections. According to the treating doctor, the child's condition worsened shortly thereafter, prompting immediate transfer in an ambulance to a higher centre for advanced care. She was declared dead on arrival.

Also Read:HC steps in after Prayagraj Hospital admits woman died from wrong blood transfusion

As reported by Kerala Kaumudi, the treating doctor stated that the child had presented with severe breathing difficulty at the time of admission.

Speaking to The Daily, the doctor said, “The child was experiencing severe breathing issues on reaching the hospital. Adrenaline was given as a precautionary measure to save her life in a situation where her health condition deteriorated. Even when the child was shifted to Neyyar Medcity, her pulse was weak.” 

The doctor has maintained that the decision was taken in the interest of stabilising the child during a critical phase.

However, the family has alleged that there was a serious lapse on the part of the hospital authorities and has filed a police complaint in connection with the incident. Law enforcement authorities have recorded the father’s statement and initiated an investigation.

The precise cause of death will be determined following the postmortem examination. Until then, the matter remains under investigation.  

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported a similar case of alleged medical negligence against a private hospital in Nagapattinam following the death of a 16-year-old who passed away while undergoing treatment. According to the news reports, the deceased, a Class XI student, was admitted to the private hospital following complaints of severe abdominal pain.

Also Read:Kerala on alert after rare brain-eating amoeba kills 9-year-old girl