Thiruvananthapuram: An 18-month-old boy who allegedly became unconscious after being administered anaesthesia for a minor lip injury at a private hospital in Kerala’s Kannur district has died, prompting police to register a case against a doctor following allegations of medical negligence by the child’s family.

The deceased has been identified as Devansh Shaurya, the only child of T Suraj and Vijisha, residents of Eramam-Kuttoor in Kannur district. While the family has accused the treating doctor of negligence, the hospital has strongly denied the allegations, stating that all standard medical protocols were followed and that the child suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest after anaesthesia.

Thiruvananthapuram: Child suffered injury after fall

According to available information, the incident began on July 5, when Devansh Shaurya sustained a cut on his lip after accidentally falling while playing outside his house.

His parents initially rushed him to the Primary Health Centre at Mathamangalam, where doctors administered first aid. As the injury required suturing, the child was later referred to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur for further treatment.

Hospital authorities reportedly decided to stitch the wound under anaesthesia, considering the child’s age and the nature of the procedure.

Thiruvananthapuram: Child reportedly lost consciousness after anaesthesia

The family alleged that shortly after anaesthesia was administered, the child became unconscious and failed to regain normal responsiveness.

Following the medical emergency, doctors shifted the toddler to Baby Memorial Hospital, Kannur, for advanced critical care and intensive treatment.

Despite continued medical intervention, the child succumbed on Friday night at around 9 pm, hospital sources said.

The tragic death has triggered grief and outrage among the family, who alleged that the incident resulted from negligence during the administration of anaesthesia.

Thiruvananthapuram: Police register case against doctor

Based on the family’s complaint, police have registered a case against Dr Anjali Poduval.

The doctor has been booked under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with acts endangering life or personal safety. The offence carries a maximum punishment of three months’ imprisonment, if proven.

Police have begun collecting medical records and other evidence as part of the investigation. Officials are expected to examine the treatment procedures, statements of hospital staff and expert medical opinions before arriving at any conclusions.

Authorities have not indicated whether any arrests have been made, and the investigation remains at a preliminary stage.

Thiruvananthapuram: Hospital rejects negligence allegations

Baby Memorial Hospital has denied the allegations of medical negligence and maintained that appropriate medical care was provided throughout the treatment.

In an official statement, the hospital said the child experienced an unexpected cardiac arrest immediately after the administration of anaesthesia.

According to the hospital, doctors immediately initiated emergency resuscitation measures, placed the child on ventilator support and transferred him to its Kannur facility for specialised critical care.

The hospital further stated that all accepted treatment protocols were followed and that every possible effort was made to save the child’s life.

It also noted that although anaesthesia is generally considered safe, rare and unpredictable complications can occur despite administering the correct dosage and following established medical guidelines.

Thiruvananthapuram: Investigation to determine cause

The case is expected to involve detailed scrutiny of the child’s treatment records, anaesthesia procedures and expert medical assessments to determine whether any lapse occurred during treatment.

Police are likely to seek opinions from medical experts before deciding on further legal action.

Meanwhile, the tragic death of the toddler has once again drawn attention to patient safety during medical procedures involving young children and the importance of thorough investigations whenever allegations of medical negligence arise.

Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation until the investigation is completed and the facts surrounding the incident are fully established.