Patient death sparks outcry over negligence at Thrivananthapuram Medical College
Medical Negligence
Thiruvananthapuram: The Government Medical College (GMC), Thiruvananthapuram, has come under scrutiny for alleged medical negligence following the death of a 48-year-old autorickshaw driver from Panmana in Kollam, who died of heart failure on Wednesday night, just hours after recording an emotional voice message accusing hospital staff of indifference and neglect.
According to the news reports, the patient had been admitted to the hospital the previous Friday after being referred from the Taluk Hospital in Kollam for emergency cardiac care. In an audio message sent to his friends shortly before his death, he expressed serious concern over the inadequate medical attention he received during his five-day stay. He stated that if anything were to happen to him, the hospital staff should be held responsible.
He also spoke of the financial strain of having a bystander stay with him in the city, saying the mounting costs added to his distress.
However, hospital authorities denied any lapse in treatment. In a statement, officials said the patient had been brought to the hospital after the critical window for angioplasty had already closed. They added that his condition was initially stable but deteriorated suddenly, leading to heart failure despite all possible medical interventions.
The Patient’s family has announced plans to file a formal complaint with the Chief Minister, demanding an inquiry into the incident. The patient’s wife stated that her husband was admitted to a general ward even after a doctor at the Kollam District Hospital had referred him for an emergency angiogram. She said they were informed that the procedure would be carried out on Wednesday, but priority was given to patients with prior bookings, resulting in a delay.
She further stated that despite her husband experiencing severe headaches from the day of admission, he was only prescribed a painkiller that was reportedly unavailable at the hospital. Doctors reportedly told the family that the angiogram should ideally be performed on the third day after his heart attack, but it was postponed to the fifth day. The patient's condition worsened during an echocardiogram, leading to breathing difficulties and his transfer to the ICU, where he eventually passed away.
Congress workers organised a protest in front of the medical college hospital on Thursday, demanding action against doctors. They attempted to enter the Superintendent's office but were arrested and removed from the site, reports the Deccan Chronicle.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan condemned the incident, calling it symptomatic of a “crumbling public health system.” Speaking to TNIE, Satheesan said, “He didn’t just die—he was failed by a health department that has been systematically neglected for nearly a decade. The Health Minister and the government must take responsibility for this tragedy.”
He added that the patient’s final words serve as a haunting reminder of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens in government hospitals. Even in death, the patient speaks for countless ordinary citizens who endure indifference and despair in government hospitals. His words reflect the pain and helplessness of many who remain unheard, he said.
Kollam MP N. K. Premachandran also demanded that an FIR be registered based on the patient’s audio clip.
