THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (February 23, 2026) — The Kerala Police have launched an investigation into the death of a two-and-a-half-year-old girl after her family alleged medical negligence at a private hospital in Kattakada. The child, Aisha Fathima, passed away early Monday morning at a tertiary care facility where she had been rushed following a sudden deterioration in her condition. The Aryanad police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and are currently awaiting forensic results to determine the exact cause of death.
Timeline of Medical Consultations
Aisha Fathima, the daughter of Sidique and Fasilath from Punlal, Perumkulam, first exhibited signs of physical discomfort on February 18. According to reports from Manorama Online and Deshabhimani, the child initially suffered from breathing difficulties and swelling near her eyelid.
The family sought medical attention across several institutions over the following days:
- February 18: The child was treated for shortness of breath and eyelid swelling at the Aryanad Government Hospital.
- February 19: Seeking a paediatric specialist, the family visited Mamal Hospital, a private facility in Kattakada. Reports indicate the attending doctor suggested the symptoms might be related to a clothing allergy.
- February 20: Following further medical advice, the child was taken to a private eye hospital for specialised consultation.
- February 22: At approximately 11:00 am, the toddler’s condition worsened significantly, manifesting as extreme fatigue and acute respiratory distress.
Allegations of Treatment Mismanagement
The family returned to Mamal Hospital on Sunday, where they discovered the paediatrician was on leave. According to the parents’ complaint, the child was examined by another doctor who ordered blood and urine tests.
The situation reportedly escalated after the child was administered oxygen and two injections. The family alleged that Aisha’s condition deteriorated immediately following the second injection, noting that she became visibly weaker and “her face contorted” as she struggled to breathe. The family also claimed that hospital staff initially prevented them from entering the ambulance when the decision was made to transfer the child to Neyyar Medicity. Aisha was declared dead at the second hospital at 12:55 am on Monday.
Official Response and Legal Action
The Aryanad police have seized the medical records from the private hospital as part of their inquiry. Authorities have confirmed that a case of unnatural death has been registered, and the body has been shifted for a post-mortem examination.
As noted in regional reports, the private hospital is owned by L. V. Ajayakumar, President of the Kerala Pradesh Pravasi Congress State Committee. Whilst the hospital management has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the specific clinical decisions made, the police stated that the investigation will focus on whether the administered medication was appropriate for the child’s symptoms.
Sources
- Manorama Online: “Two-and-a-half-year-old girl dies; complaint alleges medical negligence” (February 23, 2026)
- Deshabhimani: “Child Dies; Complaint of Treatment Negligence at Private Hospital” (February 23, 2026)
- Asianet News Malayalam: “Toddler suffers from breathing issue; dies after injection” (February 22, 2026)
- Kerala Police Departmental Briefing: Saheednagar / Aryanad Station Records (February 23, 2026)
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