Kottayam: The family of Saleena, a 42-year-old woman who died of a snakebite on Thursday evening, has alleged medical negligence against the authorities at Kayamkulam taluk hospital. Saleena, who served as the secretary of Kayamkulam Mercantile Welfare Society, was bitten by a snake after attending a wedding reception in Kottukulangara.
Initial Treatment and Allegations
According to relatives, Saleena was first taken to a nearby private clinic, where doctors advised transferring her to Kayamkulam taluk hospital for specialized treatment. However, the family claims that the doctor on duty lacked experience, which compromised her treatment. They pointed out that the hospital failed to detect venom in her blood test and did not provide any treatment. Saleena collapsed in the restroom and died within an hour of arriving at the hospital. Despite the availability of antivenom, it was not administered. Additionally, the family alleges that she was not transferred to a better-equipped facility.
Postmortem and Public Outrage
A postmortem conducted at Alappuzha medical college preliminarily concluded that the cause of death was a snakebite, sparking public outrage against the taluk hospital.
Hospital Authorities Respond
Hospital authorities have denied the allegations. Resident medical officer Prasad told reporters that Saleena arrived at the hospital at 7:12 PM and was conscious. "She did not specify it was a snakebite but said something had bitten her. There was a puncture wound near the ankle with no swelling. It did not resemble a snakebite, and her vitals were normal," he said. He added that her attendants were advised to take her to another hospital, but they did not do so. Prasad noted that there were no neurological symptoms typically associated with snake envenomation, such as bleeding from viper bites, breathing issues, or blurred vision from cobra or common krait bites.
Police Investigation
Kayamkulam police have registered a case of unnatural death and initiated an investigation into the incident.
