No expert committee inquiry into kidney patient’s death; Health Minister rejects conspiracy allegations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George rejected the doctors’ demand for an expert committee inquiry into the death of a kidney patient at Medical College Hospital. The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA), an association of medical college doctors, had demanded that an expert medical team be appointed to scientifically investigate whether there was a defect in treatment or surgery and action should be taken only if found guilty. However, the health minister rejected the demand.

“A comprehensive inquiry by medical education department additional chief secretary Dr Asha Thomas is underway. Matters, including whether the surgery was delayed or not, can be understood only after receiving the post-mortem report. The KGMCTA is protesting against the suspension of doctors. A detailed investigation is also being conducted on the hospital authorities’ complaint that the box was stolen by outsiders. The conspiracy argument raised by the doctors cannot be accepted. When such a big facility is arranged, those involved have the responsibility to make sure that no such mistakes are made”, said Veena George.