Patient collapses and dies after waiting in line at Neyyattinkara Hospital; The Minister of Health ordered an investigation

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has ordered an inquiry into the incident at the Neyyattinkara District Hospital where a patient who came to the hospital complaining of chest pain collapsed and died after allegedly being made to stand in a queue for over half an hour on Thursday (July 9, 2026) evening.

Mr. Muraleedharan directed the District Medical Officer to immediately investigate the incident and submit a report.

The patient, Rajeshkumar of Koottapana, Neyyattinkara came to the hospital around 6.30 pm complaining of chest pain but the security staff allegedly did not allow him to see the doctor without an OP. After standing in line, he managed to see a doctor, but later collapsed and died.

Tension prevailed at the hospital after the incident as angry members of the public and relatives of the patient got into a heated debate with the hospital management and the police had to be called.

The Minister of Health said in a statement that if a patient who came to the hospital with a medical emergency is forced to stand in a queue, the staff responsible for this behavior will be dealt with strictly. Follow-up action will be taken based on the investigation report, he added.

Published – 9 Jul 2026 22:48 IST