The deaths of five patients following a fire at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College hospital have erupted into a fresh political row, posing a headache for the state government just days before the assembly elections. While the hospital on Saturday rejected any link between the blaze and the fatalities, the opposition has seized on the incident to attack the government over alleged medical negligence in state-run institutions. Families of the deceased are demanding answers, claiming lapses during emergency evacuation contributed to the deaths.

The fire broke out on 17 March morning in the multi-speciality block when a portable ventilator malfunctioned. Staff swiftly moved 36 critically ill patients to other units, but five of those patients died in the days that followed.

Relatives insist the evacuation itself worsened their loved ones’ conditions. One relative said their family member “was recovering and eating just before the fire, but they were told his condition was critical only after the evacuation.” Other families argue that transferring patients from life-support equipment caused irreversible damage.

Hospital authorities cite pre-existing conditions

Hospital officials strongly rejected any link between the fire and the subsequent deaths, calling the allegations “unfortunate and factually wrong.”

The principal of the medical college said all five patients were already in critical condition due to severe road accident injuries. Post-mortem reports reportedly show no signs of smoke inhalation or burn damage. Officials emphasised that the deaths occurred separately over different days and warned of legal action against those spreading misinformation, noting that no formal complaints have yet been filed.

It may be noted that a major controversy erupted months back following allegations by a senior doctor regarding a severe shortage of surgical equipment at the same hospital. The incident sparked a political storm, prompted a government probe, and initiated a debate over the state's public health management.

Political pressure mounts ahead of elections

The fire incident has provided fresh ammunition to the political opposition. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan described the relatives’ reports as “shocking” and claimed the state’s healthcare system is “effectively on a ventilator.”

The controversy adds to previous grievances against Health Minister Veena George, including incidents of surgical tools left inside patients and a child undergoing the wrong operation. The government maintains a zero-tolerance policy for negligence and accused the opposition of exaggerating isolated events for electoral advantage.

The debate over accountability and patient safety in public health institutions shows no sign of cooling down, with government hospital safety emerging as a key issue in the upcoming Kerala assembly polls.