Toddler dies after being administered anaesthesia for lip cut treatment, family alleges medical negligence
PTC News Desk: An 18-month-old toddler died following severe complications after he was administered anesthesia before a minor procedure to treat a cut on his lip. The child's health reportedly deteriorated for five days before he eventually succumbed to the complications.
The toddler died at a private hospital in Kerala's Kannur district on Friday, July 10.
Devansh Shaurya, the only child of T Suraj and Vijisha, residents of Eramam-Kuttoor in Kannur, had suffered a cut on his lip after falling while playing outside his home on July 5. He was first rushed to the primary health centre in Mathamangalam and given first aid.
Later he was shifted to the Baby Memorial Hospital where he was treated under anesthesia following which he lost consciousness.
The family has accused doctor Anjali Poduval of medical negligence in connection with the child's death. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against the doctor under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with acts that endanger life or personal safety and carries a maximum punishment of three months in jail.
Baby Memorial Hospital, which has branches in Kozhikode, Kannur, Thodupuzha, Payyanur and Vadakara, has denied the allegations.
In a statement, the hospital said the child suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest soon after being given anaesthesia. Doctors immediately put the child on ventilator support before shifting the patient to the hospital's Kannur branch for advanced treatment.
The hospital said that complications can occur after anaesthesia even when the correct dosage is given and proper medical procedures are followed.
It added that all standard treatment protocols were followed and that doctors made every possible effort to save the child's life.
- With inputs from agencies
