Nursing student dies after surgery in Tamil Nadu; protest erupts over alleged medical negligence

A third-year nursing student died during treatment at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli on Saturday, triggering protests by her relatives and fellow students who alleged medical negligence, as per reports.

The deceased, Seethalakshmi, was pursuing her nursing studies in Tiruchi. She had been reportedly admitted to the government hospital for treatment related to a nasal health issue.

Doctors had reportedly advised surgery, which was performed on Friday. However, Seethalakshmi died during post-operative treatment.

Following the incident, her family members and nursing students staged a road blockade protest outside the hospital, claiming that excessive anaesthesia and negligence by doctors led to her death, as per reports.

Hospital Dean Kumaravel reportedly denied the allegations, stating that the student developed complications, including an increased heart rate, while recovering from anaesthesia, and that doctors made every effort to provide emergency medical support.

Police officials, hospital authorities, and Tamil Nadu Minister KN Nehru Ramesh visited the hospital to pacify the protesters, as per reports. The minister reportedly said complaints from students had been received and assured that a special investigation team, including anaesthesia specialists, would conduct a detailed probe into the incident.

He further assured that appropriate action would be taken against anyone found responsible after the inquiry. Following the assurance from the government, the protesting students withdrew their agitation.