Tension prevailed at the Tiruchirappalli Government Medical College Hospital on Friday after hundreds of nursing students staged protests alleging medical negligence in the death of a fellow student who had been admitted for treatment related to nasal congestion.
The deceased student was identified as Seethalakshmi, a nursing trainee from Pudukkottai who had been undergoing training at the government hospital campus, where more than 300 trainee nurses are currently residing and working. The Tiruchirappalli Government Medical College Hospital caters to more than a thousand inpatients and outpatients daily.
According to statements from fellow students, Seethalakshmi had been admitted to the hospital two days ago after complaining of excessive tissue growth in her nose. Students alleged that doctors informed her she would undergo surgery and subsequently administered anesthesia. Protesters claimed that an excessive dose of anesthesia had been given to her and also alleged that oxygen supply during treatment had been inadequate.
The student later died during treatment, triggering anger among fellow nursing students and relatives, who accused doctors of providing improper treatment. Some students also alleged that contradictory explanations were given regarding the circumstances surrounding her death, with claims initially circulating that she had died by suicide, an assertion rejected by the protesting students.
The protests intensified on Friday morning, with more than 100 nursing students gathering in front of the Tiruchirappalli District Collectorate around 9 a.m. Demonstrations also took place at both entrance gates of the Tiruchirappalli Government Medical College Hospital, while more than 200 students protested inside the hospital premises demanding justice for their fellow student.
The protesters questioned why surgery had allegedly been performed near the abdominal region when the student had reportedly been admitted for a nasal issue. Students alleged that proper treatment had not been provided and demanded action against the doctors involved. Several protesters were seen in tears while speaking about the incident and warned that the agitation would continue if strict action was not taken.
Amid the growing controversy, the Tamil Nadu Health Department constituted a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident.
According to orders issued by the Department of Medical and Public Welfare, the inquiry committee will be headed by Baskar, Superintendent of Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, Chennai. The panel also includes ENT specialist Dr. Bharathi Mohan, anesthesiologist Dr. Shanmugasundaram, and Dr. Jayaprakash.
The committee has been instructed to immediately visit Tiruchirappalli Government Medical College Hospital and conduct a detailed inquiry into the treatment administered to the nursing student. The team has also been directed to submit a comprehensive report to the Tamil Nadu Health Department.
The order constituting the inquiry panel was issued by the Additional Secretary of the Department of Medical and Public Welfare.
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