Woman dies during heart surgery at Pariyaram Medical College; family alleges negligence

Kannur (Kerala): A 47-year-old woman died during a heart surgery at Government Medical College, Pariyaram, prompting her family to allege medical negligence and seek a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The deceased has been identified as Fathima, a native of Iritty. Based on a complaint filed by her relatives, Pariyaram Police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

Family alleges delay in informing them

According to Fathima’s family, doctors did not promptly inform them when her condition became critical during the surgery.

The heart surgery had been scheduled for the previous day. The family alleged that the surgeon failed to inform them in time about the emergency that occurred during the procedure.

A preliminary internal review by the hospital reportedly found lapses in communicating the patient’s condition and sharing crucial information with her relatives.

Hospital authorities have ordered an internal inquiry into the incident.

The surgeon, however, has maintained that the procedure was highly complex and that every possible effort was made to save Fathima’s life.

Officials said it would not be possible to determine the exact cause of death or establish whether there was any medical negligence until the post-mortem report is received and examined.
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DYFI stages protest

Meanwhile, Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) workers on Wednesday staged a march to the office of the Superintendent of Pariyaram Government Medical College over the incident.

The protest followed the allegations raised by Fathima’s family regarding treatment and the alleged delay in communication from hospital authorities.

DYFI demanded a transparent investigation and sought accountability if medical negligence is established.

The protesters marched to the Superintendent’s office carrying banners and raising slogans, calling for justice for the family and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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Police investigation underway

Police are investigating the complaint filed by the family, while the hospital is conducting its internal inquiry.

Hospital authorities have said the matter will be examined through the appropriate procedures. Officials have stressed that the findings of the post-mortem examination will be important in determining the circumstances leading to Fathima’s death.

(With ANI inputs)