Kozhikode Medical College: Patients died after inhaling smoke, alleges MLA; hospital authorities deny claim

KOZHIKODE: There has been an allegation that a number of patients died from suffocation after smoke filled the emergency department of the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Smoke was seen rising from the UPS room in the new PMSSY emergency block at around 8 PM last night. MLA T. Siddique claimed that three patients died while being moved to safety. One of the deceased was reportedly Naseera, a native of Kottappadi in Wayanad, who was on a ventilator. The MLA posted on Facebook that he saw Naseera’s body and spoke with her relatives. He also demanded that the hospital authorities clarify the number of deaths.

The exact source of the smoke has not yet been confirmed. However, the fire department’s preliminary assessment suggests that a short circuit near the CT scan section caused the smoke. The situation was brought under control by around 10 PM. Power supply to the emergency department was cut off. The affected area was completely sealed by the police, and the specific block where the incident occurred was shut down.

Hospital denies deaths were due to smoke inhalation

Meanwhile, Hospital Principal Dr. Sajith Kumar stated that no one died from smoke inhalation and that all patients are safe. He confirmed that five deaths occurred during the time of the incident, but clarified that none of them were due to the smoke. Three deaths occurred just before the incident, one patient died on the way to the hospital, and another, a Wayanad resident who had consumed poison, was already on a ventilator and was being transferred to the ICU in an ambulance when the smoke started. That patient passed away in the ICU. Postmortems of two individuals suspected to have died by suicide will be conducted today, while the decision regarding others will be made after speaking with the families. He assured that all necessary facilities are currently in place for the remaining patients.

Investigation ordered

Health Minister Veena George has instructed the Director of Medical Education to initiate an investigation into the incident. She also directed that patients be safely relocated to other areas.