Patient's death exposes absence of triaging system at Kerala hospital
A 53-year-old patient, Rajesh Kumar, collapsed and died at Neyyattinkara General Hospital on Thursday evening, prompting questions about systemic failures in emergency care. The family alleged that security personnel made him wait in a queue, delaying treatment. Hospital authorities stated that the patient was examined by the casualty medical officer, underwent an ECG, and was given a loading dose for referral to a medical college before collapsing.
Health Minister K. Muraleedharan removed the security guard from duty and formed an expert committee comprising the District Medical Officer, Additional Director of Health Services, and doctors from the hospital and Medical College to investigate. Further action will follow the inquiry report.
Sources pointed to overcrowding in the casualty ward and the absence of a triaging system, which prioritises emergency cases. A doctor noted that only about 30% of casualty cases are true emergencies, but without triage, genuine emergencies face delays. The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) highlighted that most hospitals have only one casualty medical officer per shift, who handles minor ailments, emergencies, and medico-legal cases. KGMOA has long demanded at least two casualty medical officers per shift and a triaging system in major hospitals.
KGMOA urged the government to immediately implement a triaging system with adequate infrastructure and trained personnel to prevent such mishaps.
