Kottayam, 03 Oct (H.S.):The death of a 49-year-old woman following hernia surgery at Kottayam Government Medical College Hospital has prompted a police investigation after her family alleged negligence in her treatment.

Haseena, a resident of Puthuparambu in Changanassery, died around 3.30 am on Thursday while undergoing treatment in the hospital’s General Surgery ward. Her relatives lodged a complaint with Gandhinagar police, seeking an investigation into the circumstances leading to her death.

According to the family, Haseena underwent laparoscopic surgery for a hernia on September 18 and was discharged on the third day after the procedure.

She developed a high fever after returning home and was readmitted to the hospital. Relatives said hospital authorities informed them that an infection had caused the fever.

The family said her condition subsequently deteriorated and she was admitted again on September 27. Doctors later performed open abdominal surgery, but her health continued to worsen during treatment.

Her relatives have demanded clarity on the complications that followed the initial procedure and whether any lapse in medical care contributed to her death. Their complaint has brought the course of her treatment under investigation.

A post-mortem examination was conducted on Thursday evening, after which the body was handed over to the family.

Gandhinagar police said they had registered a case and begun an investigation. The exact cause of death could be established only after the post-mortem report was received, police said. The family’s allegations of medical negligence remain unverified, with the police inquiry now under way.

The Medical College Hospital Superintendent said the complaint would be examined once it was received and further action taken accordingly.

Haseena is survived by her husband, Hasan Kunju, and children, Hanna and Asif. Her funeral is scheduled for 10.30 am today at Changanassery Old Pally Town Jama Masjid, following the release of her body after the post-mortem.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman