A heartbreaking medical crisis in Kerala’s Kannur district has culminated in the death of an 18-month-old boy. The toddler passed away on Friday night after spending five days in critical condition following the administration of anesthesia for a minor lip injury. Police have registered a criminal case against the attending anesthesiologist following intense allegations of medical negligence from the grieving family.
The deceased child, Devansh Shaurya, was the long-awaited, only child of T Suraj and Vijisha, residents of Eramam-Kuttoor. According to family members, the tragedy began on July 5 when the young boy sustained a small cut on his lip after falling down while playing in the courtyard of his home.
The Turn from First Aid to Critical Crisis
Devansh was initially rushed to a primary health center in Mathamangalam, where he received basic first aid. For further treatment, his parents took him to the Baby Memorial Hospital branch in Payyannur. Because the child was understandably agitated, medical professionals advised that stitching the facial wound would require the administration of anesthesia.
The family alleges that immediately after receiving the anesthesia dose, the toddler lost consciousness and failed to wake up. As his medical vitals rapidly deteriorated, he was transferred to the advanced intensive care unit at the Baby Memorial Hospital facility in Kannur. Despite five days of intensive medical intervention, Devansh succumbed to his complications at approximately 9:00 PM on Friday.
Police Action and Serious Negligence Allegations
Devansh’s relatives have alleged gross medical negligence, claiming that an improper approach or excessive dosage led to immediate oxygen deprivation and subsequent severe brain damage. Following a formal complaint lodged by a relative, K Rajeevan, the Payyannur police registered a criminal case against the anesthetist, Dr. Anjali Poduval.
The doctor has been booked under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses acts that recklessly endanger human life or personal safety. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to three months of imprisonment. The tragic incident has sparked massive local outrage, prompting protest marches to the hospital by political youth wings demanding accountability.
Hospital Refutes Claims, Cites Rare Complications
The administration of Baby Memorial Hospital has firmly denied all accusations of clinical negligence or improper dosing. In an official statement, the hospital management explained that the young boy suffered an sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest immediately following the administration of the sedative.
According to the hospital, the medical team followed all globally accepted safety protocols. They asserted that the child was immediately placed on emergency ventilator support before being rushed to the Kannur branch for advanced multi-specialty critical care. The hospital maintained that severe adverse reactions and cardiac events remain a known, albeit rare, risk of anesthesia that can transpire during pediatric procedures regardless of appropriate dosing and proper medical standard of care.
