SHRC calls for checks on private clinics after boy’s death following tonsil surgery in Kannur

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the Health department to ensure that private clinical establishments comply with prescribed standards and to take legal action against those violating the rules. The directive follows the death of a 17-year-old boy after tonsil surgery at a clinic in Kannur in July 2024.

The Commission issued the directive to the Additional Chief Secretary, Health department, asking the authorities to verify the qualifications and registration of doctors and other staff working at such clinics. It also called for guidelines to ensure the quality of medical services and patient safety, along with an effective monitoring mechanism.

The Commission directed the State Police Chief to order a further investigation into the case registered by the Kannur Town police, under the supervision of a Crime Branch officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. The investigation should comprehensively examine alleged lapses in treatment, allegations of alterations to medical and nursing records, the qualifications and registration of the doctor who performed the surgery, and the registration status of the clinical establishments concerned, the Commission said.

The order followed a complaint filed by P. Shaji, a native of Kannadiparamba and the boy’s father, over the death of his son. The boy died after undergoing tonsil surgery at a clinic in Kannur on July 17, 2024.

An investigation conducted by the Commission’s inquiry wing, headed by its Inspector General, found that the doctor who operated on the boy did not have the legal authorisation to practise in Keralam. The inquiry report also found that neither the clinic where the surgery was performed nor the clinic to which the boy was subsequently admitted had obtained registration as required under the rules.

The Commission noted discrepancies between the reports of inquiries conducted into the incident under the leadership of the district medical officer. It also observed in its order that there had been culpable negligence in the boy’s death.