Kannur Toddler Death: Post-Mortem completed after 18-month-old dies following anaesthesia for lip injury
The post-mortem examination of Devansh Shouria, the 18-month-old boy who died after allegedly developing complications following the administration of anaesthesia for stitching a minor lip injury, was completed at the Kannur Government Medical College.
The toddler died night at Baby Memorial Hospital in Kannur after remaining in critical condition for five days and never regaining consciousness following the procedure. He had sustained a cut on his lip after falling while playing at his home in Mathamangalam in Kannur district on July 5. He was initially taken to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyannur, where anaesthesia was administered to suture the wound.
According to reports, the child's condition deteriorated immediately after the anaesthesia was administered. He was placed on ventilator support and later shifted to the hospital's Kannur unit for advanced treatment, but succumbed on Friday evening.
Following a complaint by the child's relatives, the Payyannur Police registered a case against the anaesthetist, Dr Anjali Poduval, under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with acts endangering life or personal safety. The investigation into the incident is underway.
Meanwhile, Baby Memorial Hospital has denied allegations of medical negligence, stating that the child suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest immediately after receiving anaesthesia. The hospital said all standard treatment protocols were followed and every effort was made to save the toddler's life.
The incident has triggered widespread concern and protests, with local organisations demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child's death.
