It's been 16 days since five-year-old Lakshay P., a LKG student from Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, slipped into coma after being administered overdose of anaesthesia at Mallya Hospital while doctors were performing plastic surgery. The child, who was later shifted to Manipal Hospital, is still under ventilation and yet to recover.
On June 10, Lakshya’s two digits on his left hand were badly crushed in school. The school authorities rushed him to Mallya Hospital and informed his parents.
His father Purushotham D.S., owner of a printing press, tried to inquire with his son’s teachers and school authorities about the accident. However, all he got from them were vague responses. They claimed that Lakshay’s digits were crushed in the desk.
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Meanwhile, anxious parents, who failed to get any response from the hospital, filed a complaint with the Cubbon Park police alleging medical negligence.
“The per day expenses of the hospital is around Rs. 60,000 and the bill has already crossed Rs. 10 lakh. We are running from pillar to post seeking financial help,” Mr. Purushotham said.
While the school authorities visited Lakshay and handed over a cheque for Rs. 1 lakh, there still is no response from Mallya Hospital. Ironically, till now, the police have not been able to ascertain the exact cause of his injuries. They have now sought the opinion of medical experts to ascertain the exact reason why Lakshay slipped into coma.
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Concerned about the child’s condition, over 20 parents visited Manipal Hospital on Sunday. Taking note of mounting bills, the parents also extended support to Lakshay’s parents.
“We are planning to hold a silent protest and initiate legal action against Mallya Hospital,” a parent said. The parents have also demanded answers from the management of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, besides an assurance that such accidents won’t recur, the parent added.