A doctor from the gynaecology department of the District Hospital in Nedumangad near Thiruvananthapuram has been suspended pending inquiry following allegations related to the death of a newborn after a C-section delivery. The suspension was ordered through a government directive citing claims of medical negligence and bribery allegations circulated through visual media.
The newborn’s death on Tuesday triggered massive protests at the hospital, with the family accusing the doctor of negligence during the caesarean procedure. Several political outfits also staged demonstrations, demanding strict action against the doctor and accountability from hospital authorities.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George earlier ordered the transfer of the doctor from the hospital pending inquiry. She also directed the constitution of an expert medical panel to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Following the minister’s directions, a team of specialist doctors from Sree Avittom Thirunal Hospital (SAT Hospital) was formed to carry out the probe. The team includes experts from paediatrics, gynaecology and anaesthesiology departments and has been instructed to submit an urgent report to the government.
The family of the deceased newborn alleged that the caesarean section was delayed despite earlier indications that it would be performed if delivery did not occur by noon. “Had they performed the caesarean earlier, the baby would have survived,” relatives claimed. They also alleged that bribes were paid to the doctor prior to delivery.
The hospital premises witnessed intense protests from various political parties and local residents. Activists from Congress, BJP and SDPI staged demonstrations outside the hospital, creating a tense atmosphere and demanding disciplinary action.
The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) condemned the violence and termed the incident deeply painful but opposed what it described as a “mob trial” against healthcare professionals. The association demanded legal action against those who allegedly attacked doctors and called for protection under the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act.
Meanwhile, police registered a case of unnatural death under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and initiated an investigation. The state government has assured a transparent and impartial inquiry, with further action to follow based on the expert panel’s findings.
