Patient dies after being made to wait in queue at Kerala hospital; health minister orders probe
Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has ordered an inquiry into the death of a patient at the district hospital in Neyyattinkara, Kerala, on Thursday evening. The patient, identified as Rajeshkumar, a resident of Koottapana, had arrived at the hospital around 6.30 p.m. complaining of chest pain.
According to reports, security staff allegedly refused to allow him to see a doctor without an outpatient (OP) ticket. He was forced to stand in a queue for over half an hour before he could consult a doctor. Shortly after being seen, he collapsed and died.
The incident led to tension at the hospital, with relatives and members of the public confronting hospital administration. Police were called to the scene to restore order.
Mr. Muraleedharan has directed the District Medical Officer to investigate the matter immediately and submit a report. In a statement, the minister said that if a patient with a medical emergency was made to wait in a queue, responsible staff would face strict action. Further measures will be taken based on the inquiry report.
