Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 23 : Tamil Nadu Minister Ramesh on Saturday said that a special inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the death of a nursing student following a surgery at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital in Trichy.
The minister visited the hospital after protests erupted by students and relatives of the deceased, who alleged medical negligence and demanded strict action against the doctors involved in the treatment.
Speaking to reporters, Ramesh said, "A special committee has been constituted to conduct an inquiry into the surgery performed on the student. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings submitted by the committee."
He further assured protesting students that the government would support them and no action would be taken against those who participated in the demonstrations.
"The college administration has been instructed not to create any issues for the students who participated in the protest. Students can contact me directly if they face any problems. The government will certainly extend all necessary assistance to the deceased student's family," the minister said.
The deceased was identified as Seethalakshmi (19), daughter of Settu and Kalaichelvi from Manakkudipatti village near Thondaimanallur in Pudukottai district. She was pursuing her third-year Diploma in Nursing at the KAP Viswanatham Government Nursing College in Trichy.
According to hospital sources, Seethalakshmi was admitted to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital after developing excess tissue growth in her nose. Doctors reportedly advised immediate surgery, following which she underwent the procedure on Thursday.
However, she allegedly died after the surgery, leading to outrage among her family members and fellow students.
Her parents and nursing students alleged that the death was caused by medical negligence and the administration of excessive anaesthesia during the surgery.
Condemning the incident, students and relatives staged a protest in front of the hospital, demanding justice for Seethalakshmi and strict action against the doctors responsible.
The protesters also blocked the road in front of the hospital for nearly three hours, forcing traffic diversions in the area.
Following assurances from the minister, the protesters withdrew the road blockade but continued their sit-in protest near the hospital premises.