Thiruvananthapuram Medical College’s claim proven false; Venu was pushed to death

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The normal level of creatinine in blood is 1.4. The test result showed only a slight variation for Venu, at 1.6. This was not a barrier to performing an angiogram. However, even after being admitted for five days, no procedure was done. The authorities at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College left the only breadwinner of a poor family to his death. The test result stands as clear evidence of this negligence.

The superintendent had claimed that the angiogram was postponed due to high creatinine levels, but lab reports in the family’s possession contradicted this. The cardiology department head too had repeated the same false claim to cover up the negligence.

Venu was admitted on the night of November 1. Tests on November 2 and 3 showed his creatinine levels were not critical. He was transferred from Kollam District Hospital in a stable condition, but once in the medical college, he was reportedly left on the floor before being assigned a shared cardiology bed. The family said they faced difficulty securing proper treatment despite repeated requests. Venu’s wife, Sindhu, approached the superintendent with a recommendation from a political leader, but no action was taken. She has threatened to file a police complaint with all medical records, citing the doctors’ negligence. Complaints have also been sent to the Chief Minister and Health Minister.

Meanwhile, Dr Haris Chirakkal, head of the Urology department, came forward criticising the authorities, stating that merely opening new hospitals is not enough; existing facilities must be strengthened. He highlighted that seriously ill patients like Venu were left on the floor, questioning how proper treatment can be given in such conditions.

More voice messages sent by Venu to relatives and friends describing his suffering have surfaced. In one, sent just hours before his death, he warned that the cardiology department of the medical college would be responsible and demanded they be brought to court.

Investigation report expected on Monday
An investigation report on Venu’s death is expected on Monday. The Director of Medical Education will submit the report following an urgent inquiry ordered by the Health Minister. Further action by the health department will follow after the report is received.