Haripad (Alappuzha): Allegations have been raised that lapses in dialysis procedures at Haripad Government Hospital led to the deaths of two patients, while another is undergoing treatment with an infection. The deceased have been identified as Ramachandran (60) of Chakkanattu in Haripad, and Majid (52) of Pulimukku in Kayamkulam. Rajesh Kumar (60) Karthikappally is currently receiving treatment at Vandanam Medical College.

All three had undergone dialysis at Haripad Government Hospital on Monday. Ramachandran was a vegetable vendor operating near the hospital.

It has been alleged that contamination in the water used for dialysis caused the incident. However, an expert team that conducted an inspection under the leadership of the District Medical Officer (DMO) stated that the complaint was baseless and that there was no lapse on the part of the hospital.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister has sought a detailed report, and officials said an investigation by the Health Department is under way.

In the wake of the allegations, authorities decided to shut down the dialysis unit at Haripad for 15 days. The 58 patients who had been receiving dialysis there have been shifted to other government hospitals, and the staff have also been temporarily redeployed to those facilities.

On Wednesday morning, Municipal Chairperson Vrinda S Kumar, along with Ramachandran’s relatives, visited the hospital and held discussions with the Superintendent, following which the DMO was informed. An 11-member expert team, including the DMO and Deputy DMO, conducted a four-and-a-half-hour inspection of the dialysis unit and tested water samples. Dialysis had been administered to 48 patients at the unit after Monday. All were contacted by phone, and none reported any health issues.

Although doctors recommended a post-mortem examination of Ramachandran’s body, the family declined. MLA Ramesh Chennithala informed the Health Minister about the incident. Acting on the Minister’s directions, an expert team from Thiruvananthapuram will visit the hospital on Thursday for a detailed probe. No dialysis procedures were carried out at Haripad after Wednesday afternoon, and regular patients were redirected to Mavelikkara Government Hospital.

‘Probe needed’: K C Venugopal

K C Venugopal MP demanded a comprehensive investigation into the incident and wrote to the Chief Minister and the Health Minister. He called for a thorough examination of the medicines used, equipment, staff details and adherence to medical protocols.