T’puram: State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Monday directed the director of medical education (DME) to investigate whether there were lapses in the care and facilities provided to an 87-year-old patient who died after falling from a hospital bed at Govt Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.The patient fell from a bed in Ward 18 of the hospital on Aug 28 and died while undergoing treatment on Aug 31. Acting on a case registered suo motu based on a newspaper report, SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas directed the DME to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.The DME has also been directed to examine the postmortem report and submit recommendations in writing on any changes required in the safety protocols followed for patients. The commission said the inquiry being conducted by the Medical College principal under the DME’s direction should be transparent and effective.SHRC also stressed that there should be no lack of vigilance on the part of medical professionals in ensuring patient safety.The DME has been directed to submit a report to the commission within six weeks.Justice Thomas further directed the Medical College police to clarify whether a case had been registered under BNSS Section 194 in connection with the incident. If a case has been registered, details should be furnished.The deputy DME and a representative of the station house officer concerned have been directed to appear before the SHRC at its office in Thiruvananthapuram at 10am on Nov 2 and provide details of the incident and the investigations.
