Haripad Taluk Hospital dialysis unit shut down after two patient deaths
Alappuzha: Following the deaths of two patients who underwent dialysis at Haripad taluk hospital, allegations of medical negligence have emerged, prompting the Kerala Health Department to shut down the dialysis unit and launch an inquiry.
The deceased were identified as Majeed (53) of Puthukkad, Kayamkulam, and Ramachandran (60) of Haripad, news agency PTI reported.
According to Health Department officials, while undergoing dialysis on December 29, both patients developed symptoms such as shivering and vomiting. Ramachandran, who was admitted to a private hospital, died on December 30.
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Majeed was rushed to Alappuzha Medical College Hospital and succumbed on December 31, officials said.
According to a media report in Mathrubhumi, it has been alleged that contamination in the water used for dialysis caused the incident. However, an expert team that conducted an inspection under the leadership of the District Medical Officer (DMO) stated that the complaint was baseless and that there was no lapse on the part of the hospital.
Following the allegations, authorities were directed to shut down the dialysis unit for 15 days. The 58 patients who were undergoing treatment at the facility have been transferred to other government hospitals, and the staff have also been temporarily redeployed to those facilities.
The condition of the other two patients who developed similar symptoms is currently stable.
The Alappuzha District Collector's office said an inquiry has been ordered into the incident.
Health officials said the operations of the dialysis centre have been suspended.
Relatives of the deceased have alleged medical negligence, claiming that both patients developed infections during dialysis.
Congress MP K C Venugopal has written to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Health Minister Veena George seeking a thorough probe into the incident.
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