Did the Kozhikode hospital incident need to happen?

Kozhikode, May 3 (NationPress) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep concern over the incident that occurred at the casualty wing of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital on Saturday, labeling it as “unfortunate” and emphasizing that it was an event that “should not have occurred.”

The situation escalated after reports surfaced indicating that five patients had tragically lost their lives during the incident.

Former state BJP president K. Surendran has called for Health Minister Veena George to resign, holding her accountable for the alleged oversights.

The local police have initiated a case of unnatural death, while hospital officials have confirmed that post-mortem examinations will be conducted on all five deceased individuals.

This incident took place around 8 p.m. on Friday, when smoke began to pour from the casualty wing of the seven-storey medical facility due to a short circuit.

At the time, approximately 200 patients were in the building, with around 40 located in the casualty wing.

Emergency measures for evacuating and relocating patients were promptly executed, with the transfer completed within a few hours.

While hospital authorities assert that the deaths were not linked to the smoke, Wayanad Congress legislator T. Siddique claimed that three of the five patients died as a result of smoke inhalation and alleged a delay in medical response.

Chief Minister Vijayan remarked, “Something that should not have happened has taken place. The Electrical Inspectorate will investigate the cause. Health Minister Veena George will visit the hospital later today.”

The district administration has sealed the affected ward to enable a thorough investigation into the short circuit.

Siddique has called for a comprehensive inquiry involving the health department, fire brigade, and electrical inspectorate.

“This facility is merely two years old and was constructed at a cost of Rs 190 crore. There seem to be technical deficiencies in its design -- patients had to be rescued by breaking down doors. Every detail must be scrutinized,” Siddique added.

While hospital officials state that four patients passed away before the smoke incident and that the fifth was declared dead upon arrival, Siddique disputes this, citing the case of 44-year-old Nazeera from Wayanad. Her family claims she was removed from a ventilator and shifted during the smoke crisis, leading to her death.

Health Minister Veena George has mandated an investigation into the incident, which will be overseen by the Director of Medical Education.

In the meantime, 34 patients from the casualty wing have been relocated to other hospitals in the vicinity.

Kozhikode Medical College Hospital is a significant public institution catering to patients from Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram districts.

Frustrated BJP workers protested outside the Principal's office, while Surendran criticized the state health system, labeling it a failure.

“Kerala is frequently lauded for its healthcare system, yet five invaluable lives were lost. Veena George must assume moral responsibility and resign,” he stated.