Housewife's death: Relatives differ regarding 'medical error' leading to argument

PATHANAMTHITTA: A dispute erupted between relatives over the death of a housewife at Pathanamthitta General Hospital. The said woman, Shyamala (53), of Thekkesseril in Pandalam's Cherikkal, died while undergoing treatment for heart disease. Her husband Sethukumar and daughter Yami alleged that she died due to a medical error. But when her relatives said that there was no medical error, the two parties got into an argument. The police intervened to calm them down. The Pathanamthitta police started an investigation based on the daughter's complaint that the death was due to a medical error.

According to the hospital authorities: Shyamala was shifted to Pathanamthitta General Hospital on March 7 from Adoor General Hospital as per the doctor's instructions. Initial examination revealed a cardiology problem and she was shifted to the cardiac ICU. On March 11, she was transferred to the ward. Meanwhile, a heart valve defect was detected. She showed symptoms of a severe heart attack and diabetes. She was also under treatment for tuberculosis.

Yesterday at 11.30 am, she suffered cardiac arrest. CPR was administered but Shyamala could not be saved.

The daughter alleges that since Tuesday night, Shyamala had been feeling unwell and was not checked by the nurse despite several requests.

Shyamala's relatives had a hostile confrontation with Anto Antony MP who reached the spot. The MP said that he came at Shyamala's daughter's request, but the relatives were angry. The MP returned after asking the police to investigate the matter.

Shyamala's post-mortem will be conducted today.