Kerala Boy Dies After Anaesthesia For Lip-Cut Treatment, Hospital Cites Cardiac Arrest

An 18-month-old boy died after reportedly suffering complications following the administration of anaesthesia at a private hospital in Kerala's Kannur district, prompting police to register a case against a doctor based on allegations of medical negligence by the child's family. The toddler, Devansh Shaurya, a resident of Eramam-Kuttoor in Kannur, passed away on Friday night after being shifted to a higher medical facility for advanced treatment. The incident has sparked concerns over patient safety and the circumstances surrounding the child's treatment.

According to police and family members, Devansh sustained a cut on his lip after falling while playing outside his home on July 5. He was initially taken to the Primary Health Centre in Mathamangalam, where he received first aid before being referred to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur for further treatment. Doctors there stitched the wound under anaesthesia, after which the child allegedly became unconscious. He was subsequently transferred to Baby Memorial Hospital in Kannur for specialised critical care but could not be revived.

Following the child's death, the family accused doctor Anjali Poduval of medical negligence, alleging that lapses during the procedure led to the tragedy. Based on the complaint, police registered a case under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to acts endangering life or personal safety. The provision carries a maximum punishment of three months' imprisonment, and authorities have initiated an investigation to determine whether any negligence occurred during the treatment.

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Baby Memorial Hospital has strongly denied the allegations, stating that the child suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest immediately after the administration of anaesthesia despite receiving the appropriate dosage and standard medical care. According to the hospital, the medical team immediately placed the child on ventilator support before transferring him to its Kannur facility for advanced treatment. The hospital maintained that all accepted treatment protocols were followed and that every possible effort was made to save the child's life.

The case has drawn public attention to the rare but serious risks associated with anaesthesia, particularly in very young children, while highlighting the importance of a thorough medical investigation. Police are expected to examine medical records, treatment procedures, and expert opinions as part of the inquiry. The findings of the investigation will determine whether any criminal negligence occurred or whether the child's death resulted from an unforeseen medical complication.

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