The Alappuzha district medical officer has initiated a thorough investigation following the tragic deaths of two patients who underwent dialysis at the Government Taluk Hospital in Haripad. The probe was ordered after it came to light that a total of four individuals developed severe uneasiness during their dialysis sessions on Monday morning.
Details of the Deceased and the Incident
The deceased have been identified as 60-year-old Ramachandran, a resident of Haripad, and 52-year-old Majeed from Kayamkulam. According to their family members, both men had been undergoing dialysis treatment for several years without any prior major issues. However, during the session on Monday, they experienced alarming symptoms including vomiting and intense shivering.
Hari, the brother-in-law of Ramachandran, provided a chilling account. He stated that six patients were undergoing dialysis simultaneously. "Among them, four developed health issues such as shivering and high blood pressure. Two of them died, while the other two are under treatment," he said. He emphasized that the problems began roughly an hour into the procedure, forcing medical staff to halt the dialysis before completion.
Families Allege Lapses in Care
The families of both victims have raised serious concerns about the care provided after the complications arose. Hari alleged that when they reached the hospital, they found Ramachandran lying unattended in an observation room. "We were asked to take him to the Vandanam Medical College Hospital (MCH) on Monday evening," he recounted. Upon arrival at MCH, they were informed the infection had spread and ICU care was needed. With no ICU beds available, they moved him to a private hospital, where he ultimately died on Wednesday morning.
In a parallel tragedy, Majeed's relative, Shamnad, shared that Majeed, an auto-rickshaw driver, drove himself to the hospital for his 6 AM dialysis session. "He was normal, and I spoke to him even minutes before he died," Shamnad said. The family received a call about his deteriorating condition but found upon arrival that he had already been sent alone in an ambulance to MCH, where he passed away on Tuesday night.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
The hospital, equipped to dialyze seven patients at once, had six undergoing treatment that fateful morning. Besides the two fatalities, one more patient remains in serious condition at MCH. Acting on the DMO's instructions, a team of experts has visited the facility to examine whether a malfunction in the dialysis machines or a possible infection caused the crisis.
The hospital superintendent confirmed that a comprehensive probe is underway to determine the exact cause. The incident has also drawn political attention, with Haripad MLA Ramesh Chennithala requesting State Health Minister Veena George to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
