Man dies 2 days post COVID jab at KR Hospital, kin protest, demand compensation

While the protesting family members held the hospital responsible for the death, the hospital authorities confirmed that the patient suffered heart ailment and other comorbidities which deteriorated his condition. Health officials in Mysuru also described his sudden death as a 'coincidence'.

The patient has been identified as a 39-year-old resident of Ashokapuram and a painter by profession. The Health Department personnel conducted their door-to-door vaccination campaign on November 12 during which the patient received his first vaccine jab. But, he became unconscious and had to be rushed to K.R. Hospital by the department personnel for treatment. He passed away on Sunday evening.

As per a recent media report by The Hindu, his friends and relatives accompanied by former Mayor Purushotham gathered in front of the mortuary on Monday and blamed the health department for the death as the man's condition became critical after receiving the vaccine. The kin of the deceased and other protesters stated that considering that the deceased was the sole earner of his family, the authorities should provide compensation to the family.

The Health Department on the other hand stated that the death of the patient after two days of receiving the vaccine is just a 'Coincidence". It was further informed that not only he had hypertension but also heart ailment. The doctor who treated him at K R Hospital confirmed that he was not receiving treatment regularly. "He was also an alcoholic. The cardiac disease he was suffering from had precipitated matters", they informed The Hindu.

One of the officials told the daily that till now a total of 35 lakh doses had been administered in Mysuru district successfully without any casualty like this. Hence, his death can not be attributed to the adverse effect of the vaccine. "The vaccine's adverse reactions will not manifest like this," said an official.

He also added that not only the patient but 9 others received the vaccine from the same vile of jabs. Moreover, the same batch of vials had been used to vaccinate more than 10,000 others on November 12. No such outcome was seen in any other case.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Bagadi Gautham met the protesters and tried to explain that the doctor had provided the patient the best of treatment after he was shifted to the hospital.

As far as the representation for payment of compensation is concerned, Gautham said he will verify if any relief can be provided from the government on humanitarian grounds. The family members agreed to a post-mortem of the body only after the Deputy Commissioner arrived at the spot and convinced the protesters.