Munnar: The death of Amritavally (50), an asthma patient, before his eyes and his helplessness to save her has left Dr Sakhil Raveendran, the medical officer at the community health centre in Edamalakkudy, a remote village in the forest in Idukki, shaken.

Lack of facilities at the centre prevented the doctor from helping Amritavally, who pleaded with the doctor to save her life. “In my 10-year career, I have never been in distress as now. After Amritavally’s death, I am not able to eat or sleep,” said Dr Sakhil.

Amritavally, a resident of Sheddukudy, passed away at 8.20 am on August 27 at the Edamalakkudy health centre. She has been suffering from asthma for the last 20 years.

On the morning of August 25, Amritavally had approached Dr Sakhil for treatment. After examining her, he asked her to visit a hospital at Adimaly or Kottayam, having better facilities, as her condition was bad. However, Amritavally did not travel to either place as no transportation was available.

Early on August 27, Amritavally’s relatives brought her to Edamalakkudy health centre again as her condition worsened. Despite Dr Sakhil’s best efforts with the available facilities, he could not save Amritavally.

Dr Sakhil, who belongs to Ambattukavu in Aluva, has been serving as the medical officer at Edamalakkudy community health centre for the last three years. The doctor said that after the incident involving Amritavally, he wishes to seek a transfer from Edamalakkudy.