Kannur: Police have registered a case against an anaesthetist after an 18-month-old boy died following complications during lip injury treatment at a private hospital in Payyannur.

The case was registered against Dr Anjali Poduval, anaesthetist at Baby Memorial Hospital, Payyannur, based on a complaint filed by the child’s relative K Rajeevan. The doctor has been booked under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with acts endangering life or personal safety.

The complaint was filed after the child, identified as Devansh Shouria, died while undergoing treatment at Baby Memorial Hospital’s Kannur unit on Friday.

According to the complaint, Devansh developed serious health complications after being administered anaesthesia for a procedure to stitch a lip injury. The child had been under treatment for five days before his death.

The police case comes amid allegations of medical negligence raised by the family.

Hospital rejects negligence allegations

Baby Memorial Hospital has denied any medical negligence and said the child suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest immediately after anaesthesia was administered.

The hospital said the child was provided immediate medical support, including ventilator assistance, and was later shifted to its Kannur facility for advanced critical care.

The hospital maintained that complications can occur after anaesthesia despite appropriate dosage and medical supervision. It said all accepted treatment protocols were followed and that every possible effort was made to save the child.

DYFI stages protest

Meanwhile, workers of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) held a protest march to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur, demanding action in connection with the toddler’s death.

The investigation into the case is ongoing.
(With ANI inputs)