The regional Vigilance unit of the Health department will probe allegations of medical negligence in the treatment of a 56-year-old native of Kunnukara at the Government Taluk Hospital in North Paravur, Ernakulam.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had directed the authorities to conduct an inquiry into the charge that the right leg of the patient, Abdul Jabbar, had to be amputated below the knee following delayed diagnosis and treatment.
The medical superintendent had submitted a preliminary report to the District Medical Officer denying charges of medical negligence. The surgeon had referred the patient to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kottayam, but the patient reportedly refused to comply with the instructions and sought discharge against medical advice. This was recorded in the hospital register, according to the authorities.
Mr. Jabbar told the media that he had sought treatment at the emergency wing of the hospital on July 26, 2026, after experiencing intense pain in his right foot. He alleged that the duty doctors treated the symptoms with painkillers without realising that the underlying cause was a stroke blocking blood flow to the leg. He alleged that his condition worsened after he returned the next day to consult the surgeon.
Meanwhile, North Paravur municipal chairperson Ramesh D. Kurup accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] of trying to politicise the issue. He said action would be taken against the hospital staff, if required, based on the findings of the probe.
Activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) took out a march to the hospital on Tuesday (November 10), alleging medical negligence. They demanded that the government provide compensation to the patient.
Published – November 10, 2026 07:14 pm IST
