Relatives of COVID-19 patient who died during treatment at Ernakulam Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Kalamassery have alleged medical negligence. Fort Kochi native C K Harris, aged 49-year-old was admitted to the MCH on 25th June after testing positive for COVID-19. He breathed his last on 20th July. The allegation has come to the light on the circumstances that lead to his death, especially after a nursing officer’s voice clip which claimed negligence by the hospital staff for sure COVID-19 deaths has gone viral on social media.

Harris was employed as a taxi driver in Kuwait and had returned to Kochi on 15th June after losing his job over there. On reaching the Kochi airport, he was directly shifted to a quarantine facility in Puthencruz. Five days later, he developed fever and difficulty in breathing and was tested positive for COVID-19. He was then admitted to the Ernakulam MCH.

Anwar Haneef, Harris’s brother-in-law said that they were suspicious ever since the hospital informed them of his death. Harris spoke to them on 20th July and told them he was getting better. He also informed them that he will be shifting to the ward soon and get discharged within a week. But he died the same night.

Ruksana, wife of Harris, said that the family had not seen him since his return from Kuwait. They did everything the hospital asked for his treatment. The doctors told them to buy an oxygen support machine costing Rs 70,000 for him. They bought it but it was never used. The family members said that the voice clip had confirmed their suspicions.

The family members have lodged a complaint against the hospital with the Kalamassery police station seeking action for Harris’ death. Kalamassery police have registered a case and have started the investigation.

On Monday, Justice V R Krishna Iyer Movement sought the investigation by the health secretary into the death of a COVID-19 patient due to alleged medical negligence at Ernakulam MCH. The association urged the authorities to take required actions against the culprits and has also written to the Chief Minister to seek action and raise concerns on this matter.

Dr Sanil Kumar, member of the Justice V R Krishna Iyer Movement has been campaigning for CCRC and the better healthcare system in the district, also said that it is not the first time of negligence. Four years ago, a medical student died at the Ernakulam MCH due to negligence. Dedicated authorities should be appointed at the MCH. Every year the principal gets transferred and nobody is honestly interested in the betterment of the hospital.

Meanwhile, on Monday Kochi reported 598 new COVID cases with 978 patients recovered. Currently, the district has 11,473 active cases.

Source: The New Indian Express