SHRC orders expert probe into alleged treatment lapse at RCC

Thiruvananthapuram The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has directed the Director of Medical Education (DME) to constitute a panel of expert doctors to investigate allegations of medical negligence in the treatment of a nine-month-old baby with leukaemia at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) here. The Commission issued the directive in a case registered suo motu based on media reports. The panel has been asked to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish whether there was any serious lapse in treatment.

The parents of the infant, who are Kollam natives, had complained that an infection had developed on the infant’s left arm, at the site where a cannula had been inserted. They alleged that the infection was ignored by the treating doctors, following which the child’s condition had deteriorated, necessitating ventilatory support . SHRC has directed the DME to ensure that the panel includes specialists capable of thoroughly assessing the complications suffered by the infant.

The investigation must reveal whether a serious lapse in treatment has occurred.