Anaesthesia error alleged in death of youth

Tension prevailed at the Thrissur Medical College Hospital mortuary on Saturday after relatives of a youth, who died allegedly following an anaesthesia-related error at the Chalakudy Taluk Hospital, refused to accept the body for several hours, demanding an investigation into the incident.

Sineesh, 34, from Kodassery, died at the Chalakudy Taluk Hospital on Friday allegedly due to complications following anaesthesia administration. Though the post-mortem examination was completed by Saturday noon, the body was accepted by the family only by evening after intense protests and negotiations.

Uncertainty loomed large as grieving family members, joined by local people, staged a protest in front of the morgue. The standoff ended after discussions led by the Sub-Collector, who assured the protesters that a formal inquiry would be conducted immediately.

Thrissur Collector Arjun Pandian directed the District Medical Officer (DMO) to investigate the incident and submit a report. Following these assurances, the protest was called off, and the family took the body to Chalakudy.

Meanwhile, the police registered a case of unnatural death based on the statements provided by the family. They also indicated that a complaint would be filed with the Health Minister seeking action.

However, the Chalakudy Taluk Hospital Superintendent claimed that there was no lapse on the part of the hospital in connection with Sineesh’s death.