Family Alleges Medical Negligence After Man's Death at Kerala Health Centre
A tragic incident in Thiruvananthapuram has sparked serious allegations of medical negligence against a government-run family health centre in Vilappilsala. The death of a 37-year-old man on Sunday has raised questions about the quality of emergency care provided at the facility, with his family claiming he did not receive timely and adequate medical attention.
Disturbing CCTV Footage Emerges
CCTV footage from the health centre has surfaced, revealing distressing scenes that prompted the family to file a formal complaint with health authorities. The deceased, identified as P Bismeer of Kollamkonam, was brought to the facility on January 19 by his wife, F Jasmin, after he developed severe breathing difficulties. Family members disclosed that Bismeer had long-standing heart-related ailments that required immediate medical intervention.
The footage shared by the family shows Jasmin repeatedly seeking help from staff members while Bismeer appeared to be in visible distress. According to the family's account, there was a significant delay before medical personnel responded to their emergency. They further alleged that the centre's doors remained closed for some time despite their desperate calls for assistance.
Allegations of Inadequate Emergency Care
The family has made several serious allegations regarding the treatment their loved one received:
- No immediate primary treatment was administered to the patient
- Basic life-saving measures including CPR were not provided
- Oxygen support was allegedly not given despite the patient's breathing difficulties
- There was a considerable delay in medical response to the emergency situation
According to the family, they were eventually advised to shift Bismeer to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital as his condition had become critical. Tragically, by the time he reached the hospital, Bismeer had already passed away.
Family Files Formal Complaint
Bismeer, a resident of Kattakkal in Njarathala, leaves behind his grieving wife and two young children aged 11 and 5. The devastated family has lodged a formal complaint with the district medical officer (DMO), alleging clear negligence and lack of essential emergency treatment at the Vilappilsala health centre.
The complaint details their experience of seeking urgent medical help only to face what they describe as inadequate response and care from the facility's staff.
Health Centre Denies Allegations
However, authorities at the Vilappilsala health centre have strongly denied all allegations of negligence. In an official statement to the media, they asserted that all possible primary care available at their facility was provided to the patient. According to their version of events:
- Oxygen support was administered to the patient
- Nebulisation treatment was provided
- Necessary medication was given as per protocol
- The patient was immediately referred for advanced treatment due to his critical condition
The health centre maintains that Bismeer's condition was extremely critical upon arrival and that they followed proper medical protocols in handling the emergency.
Government Orders Investigation
In response to the serious allegations, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has taken immediate action. The minister has directed the director of health services and the additional DMO to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident. They have been instructed to submit a detailed report that will examine all aspects of the case, including:
- The sequence of events as they unfolded at the health centre
- The medical care provided to the patient
- The response time of medical personnel
- The facility's adherence to emergency protocols
This incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about healthcare delivery in government facilities and the need for prompt emergency response systems. The investigation ordered by the health minister is expected to provide clarity on what exactly transpired during those critical moments at the Vilappilsala health centre.
