Elderly patient succumbs after falling from cot at Thiruvananthapuram government medical college hospital
An 87-year-old patient died at a Thiruvananthapuram government hospital after falling from his cot, leading his family to allege medical negligence. Hospital authorities denied the claims, citing that the patient was attended by caregivers and that the facility lacks sufficient cots with protective side rails.
Why it matters
The incident highlights critical infrastructure gaps and patient safety concerns in public healthcare systems, sparking a debate on resource allocation and hospital accountability.
The death of an 87-year-old patient, two days after he fell off a cot in one of the general wards at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, has triggered allegations of medical negligence as well as renewed conversations on patient safety protocols in public hospitals.
The patient, Sukumara Pillai of Chadayamangalam, who had suffered a stroke, had been referred from Kollam Government Medical College to the MCH here. He was admitted to ward 28 at MCH on August 26 and was allowed two companions, his son and his sister, according to MCH authorities.
While under treatment, on August 29, the patient fell off the cot and sustained injuries on the forehead and face, which were attended to by the doctors. On Monday, following his death, his family members alleged that he was not given appropriate care after his fall and alleged that negligence in care had led to the patient’s death.
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