Anesthesiologist in Kerala commissioned after toddler suffers brain damage

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Payyannur police registered a case against anesthetist Dr. Anjali Poduval of Baby Memorial Hospital, Payyannur, Kannur, Kerala, following allegations that negligence in the administration of anesthesia caused brain damage to a critically ill child aged one year and five months.

The case, filed under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), was registered on a complaint filed by K. Rajeevan, a relative of the Eramam child. The complainant alleged that the doctor’s negligence in administering anesthesia resulted in severe brain damage to the child. The incident sparked widespread protests against the hospital.

The child, Devansh Shouria, a resident of Naduvilekuni in Eramam, sustained an injury to his lip after falling while playing on July 5. It was taken to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyanur, where doctors advised to stitch the wound under anesthesia. According to the complaint, the child fell unconscious immediately after the administration of anesthesia and was later shifted to Baby Memorial Hospital, Kannur after his condition worsened.

The toddler remains in critical condition and is on ventilator support in the intensive care unit.

The child’s family claimed an overdose of anesthesia was administered, leading to a medical emergency. They claim the child suffered brain damage as a result of an alleged failure during the procedure.

The hospital denies the allegations

Meanwhile, Baby Memorial Hospital, Payyanur, has denied allegations of medical negligence.

Hospital authorities said the child went into cardiac arrest immediately after the anesthesia was administered, after which he was immediately placed on a ventilator and given all possible emergency treatment. They claimed complications can occur with anesthesia regardless of the dosage and said the hospital had taken all necessary medical precautions.

Police have started investigating the incident while protests demanding action against the hospital continue in Payyannur.

Published – 10 July 2026 11:45 AM IST