Did Kozhikode Medical College Confirm 5 Deaths Due to Smoke Inhalation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The incident at Kozhikode Medical College has raised serious safety concerns.
- Conflicting narratives from hospital authorities and local legislators highlight the need for clarity.
- An official investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the smoke and its impact.
- The hospital serves a vital role in the local community.
- Patient safety must be prioritized to prevent future incidents.
Kozhikode, May 3 (NationPress) A controversy has emerged regarding the deaths of five patients at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital, which reportedly occurred after a short circuit in the room housing the UPS units close to the Casualty department.
At approximately 8 p.m. on Friday, the staff in the Casualty department noticed smoke billowing from the UPS area.
While hospital officials claim that no fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation, Congress legislator T. Siddique from Wayanad contends that three patients succumbed due to the smoke.
The district authorities in Kozhikode have since sealed off the affected ward to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the short circuit.
In the aftermath of the incident, hospital staff began relocating patients from the Casualty department.
Hospital representatives assert that four patients died prior to the smoke incident, while the fifth individual was brought to the hospital already deceased.
Countering this, legislator T. Siddique reported that relatives of 44-year-old Nazeera from Wayanad informed him that after the smoke filled the area, she was taken off the ventilator and moved elsewhere, which was when she passed away.
In response, State Health Minister Veena George has mandated an investigation into the situation.
The Kerala Director of Medical Education has been assigned to lead the team responsible for the comprehensive inquiry into the events.
Meanwhile, 34 patients who were receiving care in the Casualty department have been transferred to nearby hospitals.
Furthermore, on Saturday, officials stated that if the families of the deceased request a post-mortem examination, it will be carried out.
Kozhikode Medical College hospital serves as a vital resource for residents in the districts of Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode, standing out as one of the busiest public sector hospitals.