Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has directed the Director of Medical Education (DME) to constitute a panel of expert doctors to investigate serious allegations of medical negligence at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) in Thiruvananthapuram.

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The probe pertains to the treatment of a nine-month-old infant suffering from leukemia whose condition deteriorated after developing an infection at a cannula insertion site.

The directives were issued by KSHRC Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas after the commission initiated suo motu proceedings based on news reports and a complaint submitted by the child's parents to hospital authorities.

 

Infection leads to ventilator support

According to the parents' complaint, an infection developed at the site where a cannula was inserted into the baby's left palm. They alleged that RCC medical staff ignored the initial signs of infection, causing the child's health to decline hugely until the infant ultimately required ventilator support.

The Commission ordered that the expert panel must include specialists capable of understanding the complex medical complications faced by the infant and determining whether grave malpractice occurred.

 

Key terms of reference for inquiry panel

In its order, the KSHRC outlined specific instructions for the transparent and comprehensive investigation.

Contrasting claims: The panel must evaluate both the RCC's assertion that the infection was a direct result of leukemia and the parents' claim that it stemmed from improper cannula insertion.

Sterilisation and testing: Investigators must determine whether the cannula was properly sterilised prior to insertion and examine if diagnostic tests were conducted to identify the cause of the infection, including a review of test findings.

Record review and statements: The team must scrutinise the child's complete medical records and record statements from attending doctors, hospital staff, and specifically the nurse who inserted the cannula.

 

Five-week deadline for reports

The expert panel has been instructed to prepare its report within one month and submit it to the Director of Medical Education. The DME must then place the report, alongside all relevant documentation, before the commission within five weeks.

In addition, the RCC Director has been directed to submit a special report to the commission within five weeks detailing the findings of the hospital's internal inquiry into the incident.

 

(With PTI inputs)