Specialist Panel Given 48 Hours to Investigate Alleged ICU Lapse; Bribery Claims Also Under Scrutiny
Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has ordered a high-level inquiry into allegations that maggots were discovered in the surgical wound of a patient who had undergone leg surgery at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. The incident has sparked concerns over patient care and infection control practices at one of the state’s premier government healthcare institutions.
Addressing reporters on Tuesday, the minister announced the formation of a panel comprising specialist doctors to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged maggot infestation. The committee has been directed to submit its findings within 48 hours.
According to the minister, the panel includes the Principal of the Medical College, the Hospital Superintendent, and the Heads of the Orthopaedic and Surgical Departments. The team has been tasked with determining how the infestation occurred while the patient was reportedly under intensive care unit (ICU) supervision.
“We have instructed the committee to submit its report by Wednesday evening. They will examine how maggots developed in the wound while the patient was admitted to the ICU,” Muraleedharan said.
Allegations Surface After Patient Shifted from ICU
The patient, who had undergone surgery for a leg injury sustained in a road accident, was reportedly found to have maggot infestation in the wound after being shifted from the ICU to a general ward. The incident came to light following allegations made by the patient’s family.
The Health Minister noted that neither the patient nor family members had submitted a formal complaint regarding the matter. However, the government initiated action after media reports highlighted the allegations.
“I came to know about the issue through a news report late on Monday night. The patient’s daughter has raised serious allegations, including claims that bribes were demanded within the medical college system,” the minister said.
Bribery Allegations to Be Investigated
Muraleedharan stated that the inquiry panel would also look into allegations of corruption made by the patient’s family. He urged the complainants to provide details of any individuals who allegedly sought bribes.
“If anyone is found responsible, strict action will be taken regardless of their position. Such incidents should never be repeated,” he said.
The minister further clarified that action would also be taken against hospital authorities if any negligence or administrative lapses were identified during the investigation.
Hospital Staff to Undergo Counselling
Apart from the medical aspects of the case, the Health Minister also addressed allegations that hospital staff behaved inappropriately with the patient’s relatives. He announced that staff members accused of misconduct would be sent for counselling.
“Hospital personnel who misbehaved with the patient’s family members will be counselled appropriately,” he said.
Minister Comments on Separate Patient Death Incident
Responding to media reports regarding another patient who allegedly died after falling from a hospital bed at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, Muraleedharan said the deceased was suffering from Wilson’s disease, a condition that had severely affected both his liver and brain.
The minister stated that authorities are awaiting the postmortem report to determine whether the patient’s death was directly related to the fall or underlying medical complications.
“Only the postmortem findings can establish the exact cause of death. Appropriate action will be taken based on the report,” he said.
Government Assures Swift Action
Reiterating the government’s commitment to patient safety and accountability, Muraleedharan assured that all complaints and concerns brought to the administration’s attention would be investigated promptly.
The inquiry report into the maggot infestation case is expected to be submitted by Wednesday evening, after which the state government will decide on further action.
