SHRC seeks detailed forensic report, evacuation review, and accountability from health authorities after Thiruvananthapuram medical college fire incident
Thiruvananthapuram: Days after allegations surfaced linking the deaths of five patients to a fire at the surgical ICU of Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has ordered a high-level probe into the incident.
Taking suo motu cognisance based on media reports, SHRC Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department to conduct a comprehensive and transparent inquiry.
Detailed Probe Into Fire and ICU Evacuation
The Commission has instructed authorities to thoroughly examine all aspects of the incident, including the circumstances that led to the fire and the effectiveness of emergency evacuation measures undertaken in the ICU.
Officials have also been asked to determine the exact cause of death of the five patients. The report must include post-mortem findings along with expert forensic analysis to establish whether the fatalities were directly linked to the fire.
Statements, Records, and FIR Status Under Review
As part of the investigation, the SHRC has mandated recording statements from doctors, hospital staff, patient attenders, and relatives of the deceased. It has also sought access to key documents such as hospital records, post-mortem certificates, and forensic reports.
Additionally, the Commission has directed authorities to verify whether formal complaints have been filed by the victims’ families and whether FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident.
Separate Report from Medical Education Directorate
The Director of Medical Education has been instructed to submit an independent report on the matter. Meanwhile, representatives from the state government and the Directorate have been summoned to appear before the Commission at its headquarters on May 8.
Political Reaction and Rising Concerns
The intervention comes amid mounting pressure, with the Indian National Congress calling the incident “shocking” and demanding an immediate and thorough investigation into the deaths.
The tragic fire, which occurred on March 17, has raised serious concerns over patient safety, hospital emergency preparedness, and accountability within one of Kerala’s premier government healthcare institutions.
