A two-year-old boy in Kerala died days after receiving anaesthesia for a minor lip cut, with his family alleging medical negligence. The incident occurred at a private hospital in Kollam district, prompting police to register a case against the attending doctor.
Incident Details
The toddler, identified as Aryan, was brought to the hospital on July 5 with a small cut on his lip. Doctors decided to administer anaesthesia to stitch the wound. However, the child suffered complications and was declared dead on July 11 after being on life support.
According to the family, the boy was healthy before the procedure. They claim the hospital failed to conduct proper pre-anaesthetic checks and that the dosage was inappropriate for his age and weight. The hospital administration has denied any wrongdoing, stating that standard protocols were followed.
Legal Action
Police have booked the doctor under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for causing death by negligence. The case is under investigation, and the hospital records have been seized for scrutiny. A post-mortem examination has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss. Our primary concern is to ensure justice for the child and prevent such incidents in the future," said a police official involved in the case.
Community Response
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who demand a thorough inquiry and stricter regulations for medical procedures on children. Activists have called for mandatory pre-anaesthetic evaluations and better training for healthcare staff.
Kerala's health department has announced a probe into the matter. "We will investigate the circumstances leading to the child's death and take appropriate action if negligence is found," a health department spokesperson stated.
