Medical negligence in the death of a toddler

A one-and-a-half-year-old boy, who reportedly fell unconscious after being administered anesthesia at the Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur, died on Friday while undergoing treatment at the Kannur facility.

The deceased, son of Suraj and Vijisha of Erammam, was admitted to a hospital in Payyannur on July 5 after sustaining an injury to his lip.

According to the family, the child lost consciousness soon after he was given anesthesia for the treatment. He was subsequently taken to Baby Memorial Hospital, Kannur, where he was on ventilator support.

The family alleged that medical negligence at the Payyannur hospital led to the child’s loss of consciousness. The police registered the anesthesiologist Dr. Anjaliho Poduvala filed a criminal complaint based on a complaint filed by the child’s relatives. The complaint alleged that negligence in the administration of anesthesia caused brain damage to the child.

Hospital management had earlier denied allegations of medical negligence. A statement released by the hospital said the child went into cardiac arrest immediately after the anesthesia was administered, a known but rare complication that can occur regardless of the dose.

She said the child was immediately placed on ventilator support and given maximum possible treatment before being shifted to Kannur hospital for advanced intensive care.

Published – 10 Jul 2026 23:41 IST