Kerala Opens Probe, Shuts Haripad Dialysis Unit After Two Patient Deaths

Overview

• Two long-term haemodialysis patients developed acute reactions during treatment on December 29 and died within two days after being transferred for further care.
• The deceased were identified as Majeed, 53, of Kayamkulam, and Ramachandran, 60, of Haripad.
• The dialysis unit at the Haripad taluk hospital has been closed for 15 days pending microbiological and safety evaluations, with all maintenance patients shifted to Mavelikara district hospital.
• A Health Department team that included a microbiologist and a biomedical safety engineer reported no immediate adverse findings, and post-disinfection samples were collected for repeat testing.
• Authorities ordered comprehensive tests of the hospital’s water and storage tank for endotoxins and asked the Drugs Control department to analyze IV fluids and heparin, as relatives alleged negligence and political leaders sought a thorough inquiry.