THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been alleged that a kidney patient died due to delay in organ transplant surgery. The dead has been identified as Suresh Kumar (62), a native of Karakonam. Allegations have been raised against Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.

According to a complaint, the surgery was delayed for four hours. The kidney was brought from Kochi on Sunday evening. The journey was not delayed and the ambulance had arrived at the hospital at around 5:30 pm, said the ambulance driver.

According to the medical college authorities’ explanation, there has been no fault from their part. The patient was in a critical condition and had arrived from home. That is why, there was a delay. The surgery began at around 8 pm, said the authorities.

Health Minister orders probe into the incident

Health Minister Veena George has ordered a probe into the incident following the news about the delay in organ transplant surgery in Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. The minister directed the additional chief secretary of the health department to immediately investigate the incident and submit a report. Strict action will be taken against those responsible. A high level meeting will be convened immediately in connection with the incident, said the minister.