THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department remains tight-lipped about the alleged case of medical negligence involving an 11-year-old boy in Thiruvananthapuram, who fell critically ill after receiving a wrong injection. The child’s father claimed there were efforts to blame his condition on a prior infection.
“We were directed to conduct a test at the Institute of Advanced Virology, but we never received the results. Three days later, the doctors informed us that the child had a dengue infection,” said Rajesh, the boy’s father.
“I maintain that my son was given the wrong medicine. I have heard the doctors questioning the nurse who administered the injection at the government hospital in Thycaud. The second injection was a diluted form used for nebulising. His platelet count at the time of admission was over one lakh,” he added.
The incident occurred on July 30, when the boy, who had sought treatment for a fever at the Woman and Child Hospital in Thycaud, became critically ill after receiving an injection. He was subsequently rushed to SAT Hospital, where he was placed on a ventilator for several days and later moved to an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine to address his low blood oxygen levels. As his condition improved, he was transferred to a special ward.
In response, the district medical officer has suspended two nurses pending an investigation and has requested an explanation from the nursing supervisor. The State Human Rights Commission has initiated a suo motu case and directed the Director of Health Services to submit a report by August 21.
Rajesh, however, has reported that no Health department official has contacted him to take his statement. Thampanoor police recorded his statements based on the complaint.
The boy, a Class VI student at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Pattom, is expected to miss the remainder of the academic year due to his critical condition. Doctors have recommended six months of rest and blood-thinning medication to prevent clotting, making it risky for him to attend school.
Prior to the incident, he was actively involved in sports and fitness activities. DMO Dr Bindu Mohan did not respond to the calls.