Health Department probes hospital negligence charge after patient loses leg

The regional Vigilance unit of the Health department is investigating a case of alleged medical negligence at the Government Taluk Hospital in North Paravur, Ernakulam. The probe follows a directive from Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to look into charges that 56-year-old Abdul Jabbar lost his right leg below the knee due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Patient Claims And Hospital Defense

Mr. Jabbar went to the hospital emergency wing on July 26, 2026, with severe pain in his right foot. He stated that duty doctors only gave him painkillers and failed to spot a stroke that blocked blood flow to his leg. His condition worsened when he returned the next day to see a surgeon. The medical superintendent submitted a preliminary report to the District Medical Officer that denies any negligence. Authorities state the surgeon referred the patient to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam, but Mr. Jabbar refused and sought discharge against medical advice, which was noted in the hospital register.

Protests And Political Reactions

Democratic Youth Federation of India activists held a march to the hospital on Tuesday, November 10, to demand government compensation for the patient. At the same time, North Paravur municipal chairperson Ramesh D. Kurup accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of trying to turn the situation into a political issue and promised action against staff if the probe finds fault.

Context

Medical negligence inquiries typically involve reviewing hospital logs, treatment records, and expert opinions to determine if standard medical procedures were followed. Government hospitals maintain registers of patient discharges against medical advice to document when patients choose to leave before doctors advise it.