Tension over death of cancer patient in hospital

The death of a cancer patient created tension for a while at the Ernakulam General Hospital on Friday.

The death of Gopi, 55, a resident of Puthencruz, who was under treatment for cancer in the throat led to the tension. He was being treated at the General Hospital and the Kottayam Medical College Hospital.

Hospital sources said the deceased was suffering from an advanced stage of cancer and was subjected to tracheostomy to create an opening through the neck into the windpipe since he was having difficulty in breathing. Doctors had said that the tube had to be removed following the spread of the cancer.

The death occurred reportedly owing to bleeding during the process of removing the tube following which his daughter created a ruckus alleging medical negligence. The police also reached the hospital following the issue.

However, hospital sources attributed the death to cancer and said the relatives had been informed in advance about the critical situation of the patient.

They said that a misunderstanding on the part of the daughter had led to the scene and that the confusion was cleared soon after.