A 38-year-old woman undergoing treatment for fever at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital has died, as Kerala continues to witness concerns over infectious diseases and public healthcare
A 38-year-old woman from Kollam district has died while undergoing treatment for fever at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. Health authorities suspect an infection following the fever, while the incident comes amid growing concerns over fever-related illnesses and healthcare preparedness in Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram: A 38-year-old woman undergoing treatment for fever at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital has died, adding to the growing number of fever-related deaths reported in Kerala in recent weeks.
The deceased has been identified as Elizabeth, wife of Israel Kutty, a resident of Shaji Bhavan, Airunelloor, Vilakkupara, Eroor. According to officials, the preliminary assessment suggests that an infection that developed following the fever may have contributed to her death. The exact cause, however, will be confirmed only after the completion of medical and forensic procedures.
Woman Succumbs After Fever Worsens in kerala
According to available information, Elizabeth initially sought treatment at a hospital in Idamon before being shifted to Punalur Taluk Hospital as her condition deteriorated.
With her health continuing to worsen, she was referred to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital on Monday for advanced treatment. Despite medical care, she died on Tuesday evening while undergoing treatment.
Following the incident, Eroor Police registered a case of unnatural death in accordance with standard legal procedure.
The inquest has been completed, and after the postmortem examination, the body was handed over to the family.
Officials said the preliminary findings indicate that an infection following the fever may have been the cause of death. Final confirmation is awaited through medical examination.
Kerala Continues to Report Fever-Related Deaths
The latest incident comes as Kerala continues to witness a rise in fever-related illnesses.
According to recent figures cited in local reports, around 87 people have reportedly died across the state over the past month in cases associated with fever and infectious diseases. Authorities continue to monitor the public health situation as hospitals report a steady inflow of patients with fever symptoms.
Health officials have urged people experiencing persistent fever or worsening symptoms to seek timely medical attention and avoid self-medication.
Political Debate Over Healthcare Preparedness
The recent deaths have intensified political criticism over Kerala's public healthcare preparedness.
Former Health Minister Veena George and opposition leaders have questioned the Health Department's handling of infectious diseases, alleging that government hospitals are facing shortages of essential medicines.
Opposition parties have claimed that antibiotics and medicines commonly prescribed for fever and respiratory infections are unavailable in several government hospitals and primary health centres, forcing patients to purchase medicines from private pharmacies.
They have demanded that the state government ensure adequate stocks of essential medicines, particularly at primary health centres, to address the increasing number of infectious disease cases.
Government Responds to Medicine Shortage Allegations
Responding to the allegations, the official position has been that there is no permanent shortage of medicines, but that supplies may occasionally be delayed when existing stock is exhausted.
The Health Department has maintained that procurement and replenishment of medicines continue as part of routine supply management.
Opposition Raises Broader Concerns Over Public Healthcare
The opposition has also cited several recent incidents while criticising the functioning of the state's healthcare system.
These include:
- The reported death of a patient who allegedly collapsed while waiting for treatment at Neyyattinkara Taluk Hospital.
- A surgical complication involving a 73-year-old woman at Manjeri Medical College.
- The reported death of a patient following surgery at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.
- An incident in Alappuzha where a young man reportedly collapsed after receiving an injection for tooth pain.
The Kerala government has not linked these incidents to one another, and investigations or departmental inquiries are being conducted wherever applicable.
Meanwhile, health authorities continue surveillance of infectious diseases and have urged the public to remain vigilant by seeking prompt medical care for persistent fever and following public health advisories.
