Palakkad hospital errs: Body released without autopsy; staff rush to bring it back from deceased’s home

Palakkad: The body of a 62-year-old man who died while undergoing treatment at the District Hospital in Palakkad, Kerala after consuming poison was initially released to his relatives before a post-mortem could be conducted. Realising the oversight in handling a case of unnatural death, hospital authorities immediately went to the home of the deceased and brought the body back to the hospital by ambulance. The incident occurred around 5:30 PM on Sunday.

The deceased, a native of Mundur, had been admitted to the hospital on September 25 after ingesting poison. He passed away at around 5:30 PM on Sunday. Following his death, the relatives arrived at the hospital and, after completing the formalities, were handed the body to take home.

Shortly afterwards, hospital staff arrived to inform the family that the post-mortem had not yet been conducted. Police personnel were also present. The staff explained that the death certificate could only be issued after the post-mortem and assured the relatives that the District Hospital would send an ambulance and staff at its expense to bring back the body. The relatives agreed, and the body was subsequently transported back to the hospital in an ambulance. It is expected to be released on Monday morning after the post-mortem is completed.

The relatives have not raised any complaints regarding the incident. District Hospital Superintendent Jayasree stated that an explanation would be sought from the concerned doctor and staff regarding the lapse. She added that, since the patient had been under treatment for nearly a month, his death was mistakenly assumed to be from natural causes, which led to the error.