Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Allegations that maggots were found in the leg of a patient who had undergone surgery at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital have emerged just days after a separate case in which a patient died after reportedly falling from a hospital bed at the same institution.

The matter regarding the surgery patient came to light on Tuesday, June 2, when the individual was shifted from the intensive care unit (ICU) to a general ward after five days of post-surgery treatment.

The patient had been admitted following a motorcycle accident on May 28, which caused serious injuries. Surgery was performed on the injured leg, and metal rods were inserted.

Relatives have alleged that the condition of the leg that underwent surgery indicates serious lapses in hospital care.

Family members have alleged major negligence in post-operative care at the medical college hospital.

They have claimed that hospital authorities are responsible for the reported condition of the leg that underwent surgery.

The relatives have further said the incident reflects a serious failure in post-operative monitoring and patient care.

Inquiry ordered as second case under investigation

Kerala Health Minister K. Muralidharan said a report has been sought within 48 hours into the alleged incident, and a committee has been appointed to investigate the matter. The panel is headed by the Medical College Vice Principal, with heads of the orthopaedic surgery department as members.

He said healthcare staff found to have behaved poorly with patients would be sent for counselling. He also said no complaint had been received from the patient’s relatives and the inquiry was initiated suo motu.

Separately, authorities are also investigating the death of a 62-year-old patient from Kollam who reportedly fell from a hospital bed while undergoing treatment for jaundice at the hospital, on Saturday.

The deceased, identified as Wilfred of Perayam, was admitted for age-related health complications and was undergoing treatment in Ward No. 5 when the incident occurred in one of the hospital’s busiest wards.

According to hospital sources, he fell from his bed under circumstances yet to be fully established and sustained serious injuries. He was attended to immediately by medical staff but later died despite efforts to save him.

Medical College police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by his son Lenin and initiated an investigation. Statements will be recorded from hospital staff, fellow patients, bystanders and relatives to determine the sequence of events.

Police are also examining whether safety measures such as bed rails and routine patient monitoring were in place at the time of the incident.

They are also awaiting post-mortem examination, which is expected to determine whether the injuries directly led to death.