Human rights panel orders probe into patient's fall at Thiruvananthapuram MCH
Thiruvananthapuram: Following the death of an 87-year-old patient who fell from a hospital cot while undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital (MCH), the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has sought a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commission has directed the Director of Medical Education (DME) to determine whether any lapses in patient care or safety measures occurred at the hospital.
The elderly man, who was reportedly being treated for a stroke, had been referred from Kollam Government Medical College for specialist care. He was admitted to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital on August 26, with his son and sister accompanying him as caregivers.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that, on August 29, he reportedly fell from his hospital cot in Ward 28 and sustained injuries to his forehead and face. He continued to remain under treatment but died on August 31, two days after the fall. The patient's family had raised concerns about the care provided after the incident. They alleged that he did not receive timely medical attention following the fall and claimed that the delay may have contributed to his death. The family also questioned the absence of protective side rails on the cot and raised concerns over the delay in handing over the deceased patient's body.
According to hospital authorities, the facility does not have enough cots equipped with protective side rails. Such cots are reportedly prioritised for patients without caregivers and those with conditions such as head injuries, delirium or patients receiving psychiatric medication.
The SHRC took suo motu cognisance of the matter based on media reports. After reviewing the post-mortem findings, Commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas asked the DME to assess the circumstances of the incident and identify measures that could strengthen patient safety.
The Hindu reported that Justice Thomas directed the DME to “submit in writing the changes that needed to be made to the patient safety protocols.” He further stressed that the inquiry already being conducted by the Medical College Principal should be transparent and effective, while medical experts involved in the matter should maintain due vigilance.
The DME has been directed to submit the findings to the Commission within six weeks, along with the inquiry report, post-mortem report and other relevant records.
The Commission has also sought information from the Medical College police on whether a case has been registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). If an FIR has been registered, the police will have to provide details of the investigation, its present status and the expected timeline for completion, besides submitting copies of the FIR and post-mortem report.
The Deputy DME and a representative of the Station House Officer have also been asked to appear before the Commission on November 2 to provide the required information.
