Kerala CM apologises to family after accident victim was denied of treatment

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 10: Kerala chief minister Pianrayi Vijayan on Thursday apologised to the kith and kin of accident victim hailing from Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu for his miserable death after being denied treatment by as many as five hospitals.

Terming as 'unfortunate' the August 6 incident when the 30-year-old man was turned away by hospitals for various reasons, including absence of a person from his side, he told the state assembly that the government would consider a new legislation to avoid recurrence of such episodes.

"I am apologising to the family of the deceased, Murugan, on behalf of the state government... and share their grief," he said responding to a mention about the incident. Vijayan said it should not have happened in a state which had made tremendous progress in the health sector.

Referring to the complaint of the denial of treatment for Murugan, who was seriously injured in the mishap in Kollam, by five private hospitals and the government medical college here, he said the government would consider bringing a new legislation to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future.

"An expert medical team will examine the reasons behind the denial of treatment. The government will consider a new legislation or amend the existing one if necessary to check recurrence of such incidents in the state," the Chief Minister said.

Murugan, hailing from Tirunelveli in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, was seriously injured in a motorbike accident at 11 PM on August 6 and died next day morning. Though he was taken to different hospitals in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts, the hapless man was not given treatment on various grounds including the absence of a person to be with him during the treatment.

The man was also brought to the government medical college hospital here but treatment could not be provided as the emergency room was full, it was stated. Police have registered a case and probe is on in this regard.

PTI