THIRUVANANTHAPRAM: A COVID-19 patient who attempted suicide in Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, died here Wednesday. The 33-year-old identified as Unni, a native of Anad fled from the hospital yesterday while undergoing treatment.

He attempted suicide at 11.30 am in the morning and was later admitted at the intensive care unit in a serious condition. His life could not be saved and died in the afternoon. He was to discharge today as his results turned negative.

He escaped from MCH in the hospital dress and reached his place by travelling in an auto and bus. The local residents stopped him and after an hour’s effort he was handed over to health workers and in the ambulance of Disha was taken back to the hospital.

The health workers had earlier informed that he contracted the disease when he went to Tamil Nadu to buy liquor. He was admitted in the hospital on May 28 soon after he collapsed while having liquor with his friends.

He was addicted to liquor and developed uneasiness. He had withdrawal syndrome for many days. He was uncooperative with the staffs of the hospital.

The suicide of the COVID patient is termed as a serious lapse from the side of the medical college. The hospital did not know when he fled from the hospital yesterday. The health minister had ordered a probe and the district collector had sought an emergency report on the incident. Security was beefed up in the COVID ward later.