Thiruvananthapuram, March 21 (NationPress) The tragic passing of five patients after a fire incident at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital has ignited significant controversy. On Saturday, V. D. Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, called for an urgent and thorough investigation.

The blaze, which erupted earlier this week in the hospital's multi-speciality ventilator unit, was extinguished relatively quickly.

During the emergency, hospital staff promptly relocated patients from the intensive care unit to various wards as a precaution.

However, the situation escalated dramatically when it was reported that five patients in treatment had succumbed, leading to growing public anxiety and political outcry.

The individuals who lost their lives have been identified as Sanish from Neyyattinkara, Krishnankutty from Ayur, auto driver Abdul Rahim, Omana Amma from Chirayinkeezhu, and Sreedharan from Balaramapuram.

Relatives claim that these fatalities may have resulted from the disconnection of life support systems during the chaotic evacuation.

Family members assert that Sanish, who was recovering from injuries sustained in an accident and had even begun eating normally, experienced a decline in health after the fire and died the following day.

Similarly, Krishnankutty reportedly passed away on the same day as the fire, with comparable claims being made in the other cases.

In the face of escalating criticism, hospital authorities insist that the deaths were attributable to pre-existing medical conditions rather than the fire itself.

Satheesan expressed outrage, describing the situation as “deeply shocking” and labeling the allegations from the victims' families as serious, demanding immediate investigation.

He urged both the Health Department and local police to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The opposition party argues that the Pinarayi government has systematically undermined the healthcare sector over its decade in power.

Moreover, it is regrettable that such devastating events continue to support the opposition's assertion that “Health Kerala is on a ventilator.”

This incident has left numerous families in despair.

The negligence and mismanagement within the healthcare system, highlighted even by the Health Minister, have inflicted significant suffering.

Satheesan reiterated the demand for an immediate investigation by the Health Department and police regarding the allegations linked to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.