Doctor refused emergency treatment: New details emerge in three-year-old's snakebite death

THRISSUR: An inquiry report has been filed against a doctor in connection with the death of a three-year-old girl due to a snakebite. The deceased was the daughter of Binoy, a native of Thrissur. The incident occurred in March 2021. The report has been submitted against the duty doctor at Kodungallur Taluk Hospital. The departmental inquiry report states that precious time was lost in providing treatment as the child was not administered anti-snake venom. The report has been released four years after the child’s death and recommends action against the doctor.

The child was bitten by a snake while playing in the courtyard of her house. At the time, only her grandparents were present. The child reportedly told them that she had been bitten by a “kokkachi”. Noticing that her hand had turned blue, the family rushed her to the taluk hospital. However, instead of receiving immediate emergency care, they were asked to take an outpatient ticket and wait. The family claims that even after informing the duty doctor of their suspicion of snakebite, the doctor failed to provide urgent treatment.

As the child’s condition deteriorated, she was taken to a private hospital, but she died en route. Following the family’s protest against the hospital, authorities ordered an investigation led by the District Medical Officer (DMO). The report concluded that there was gross negligence on the part of the doctor. Testimonies, including from the duty nurse, were recorded against the doctor. The doctor reportedly told the inquiry team that the hospital did not have anti-snake venom in stock. However, a reply obtained by the family through the Right to Information (RTI) Act confirmed that the hospital did indeed have anti-snake venom on the day of the incident. This revelation prompted the relatives to demand strict action against those responsible.