Neyyattinkara hospital death: Human Rights Commission orders probe into alleged lapses

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the death of a patient who collapsed and died after arriving with chest pain at the Neyyattinkara General Hospital. Commission Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas directed the District Medical Officer to investigate whether there were any lapses or medical negligence on the part of the hospital authorities and staff.

As per the order, the District Medical Officer must appoint a Deputy District Medical Officer to conduct the inquiry. The investigating officer has been directed to record detailed statements from the relatives of the deceased patient, the hospital superintendent, treating doctors, security personnel, and independent witnesses. The probe will also involve a thorough examination of the patient's medical records to ascertain the exact cause of death.

The investigation will specifically look into whether negligence by any individual led to the patient's death and verify if a police case has been registered regarding the incident. Based on the findings, the District Medical Officer must submit a comprehensive report, along with the detailed inquiry report, to the Commission within one month. The Superintendent of the Neyyattinkara General Hospital has also been independently ordered to submit a separate report within the same timeframe.

The Human Rights Commission initiated the proceedings after registering a suo motu case based on media reports of the incident. The Commission has further directed the Deputy District Medical Officer, representing the DMO, and a senior official, representing the hospital superintendent, to appear in person during its upcoming sitting at the Commission office at 10:00 AM on September 2.