Human Rights Commission seeks report

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has initiated suo motu procedures in connection with the death of three. J B Koshy, chairman of the Human Rights Commission said that they have asked for a report from the hospital authorities.

Based on the report, measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future, he said.

Akkamma, head-nurse in charge of the ICU,  expressed dismay over her suspension by the hospital officials.

“This decision by the authorities is a shell-shocker. I have regularly informed the higher-ups about the non-availability of the oxygen supply. But now I’m bearing the brunt for something I have not done,” she said. In fact, this is not the first time that the hospital is encountering such a situation, she added.

“It has happened in 2007 and 2008. I have lodged complaints along with the supporting documents. But the authorities have given me a cold shoulder.

When I came across the scant oxygen supply, I did inform the medical superintendent who then informed the medical director. But we did not receive any information in this regard from the higher-ups,” she said.

In connection with the deaths, many organisations have come forward alleging a foul play.

The CITU-affiliated Co-operative Medical College Employees Association asked why the nurses association failed to respond immediately after first occurred.

M D Sabil, secretary of Cooperative Medical College Employees Association said that the incident is an attempt to degrade the hospital to make way for the new hospitals coming up in the nearby areas. 

The CAPE staff association said that the role of the head nurse in the tragic deaths should be inquired.

They added that the role of other officials in the incident should also be brought out.