The state health department has initiated a probe following complaints that two patients who underwent dialysis at the Taluk Headquarters Hospital (THH), Haripad, died of a hospital-acquired infection. Ramachandran, 59, from Haripad, died on December 30 at a private hospital, while Majeed, 52, from Kayamkulam, died on December 31 at the Government Medical College, Alappuzha. They were among the 27 patients who were subjected to dialysis on December 29 at the THH.

A district-level team conducted a preliminary inspection on Wednesday. Dr Reena, Director of Health Services, Kerala, told Onmanorama that an expert team will be sent to the hospital for a detailed technical evaluation. THH superintendent Dr Arun said that the blood count of both patients showed elevated levels, indicative of infection. 

"We did a primary check of the machines and water samples to ascertain the source of infection. We couldn't find anything. Detailed inspection is being done by the district-level team, and we are awaiting results," he said. Dr Arun added that four others also developed shivering following dialysis, but that was a common side-effect. 

Rameshan, brother of Ramachandran, said that during the dialysis, Ramachandran vomited and started shivering. He was kept under observation till 5 pm at the THH. The doctors then referred him to the Government Medical College, Alappuzha. "The ICU was not vacant there. We then shifted him to a private hospital where he was admitted for the night. By 7.30 am on December 30, he died," said Rameshan.

Ramachandran underwent a kidney transplant 15 years ago. The procedure failed, and since then, he had to undergo dialysis. "He required dialysis three times every week. Initially, we took him to a private hospital, but the expense was high. For the past year, he was doing the procedure at THH, Haripad," said Rameshan. Ramachandran ran a vegetable shop. His funeral was held on Wednesday.

Hospital authorities said there have been no complaints against the dialysis unit for the past five years. "We had a discussion on how an infection could manifest in a day. The patients were immunocompromised. We are looking at all possibilities," said a health official.

The dialysis unit at THH has been shut down temporarily. All the patients have been referred to another hospital. The office of Ramesh Chennithala, Haripad MLA, said they have contacted the Health Minister, who has assured an intensive investigation into the case.

Sumaiyya, niece of Majeed, said that he had been a kidney patient for the past 6 years. "He usually goes for dialysis alone and comes back. On December 29, we got a call from the hospital that his condition deteriorated and he was being taken to the medical college. We want to know what exactly happened to him. We are in shock," said Sumaiyya. Majeed was an autodriver.