Toddler dies after alleged anaesthesia complication in India's Kerala state

An 18-month-old boy has died in India's southern state of Kerala after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest shortly after being administered anaesthesia for a minor medical procedure, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday. 

According to Indian media reports, the child's family has accused a woman doctor of medical negligence.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.

The toddler, identified as Devansh, sustained a cut on his lip after falling while playing in the courtyard of his home on July 5.

He was taken to Baby Memorial Hospital, where doctors decided to stitch the wound under anaesthesia.

Reports said the child's condition deteriorated immediately after the anaesthesia was administered.

He never regained consciousness and remained in critical condition for five days before succumbing.

His post-mortem examination has since been completed.

Rejecting the allegations of negligence, the hospital said the child suffered a sudden cardiac arrest shortly after receiving anaesthesia and was immediately placed on a ventilator.

The hospital administration maintained that such complications, although rare, can occur even when the correct dose of anaesthesia is administered.

Police said the investigation is underway to determine whether any medical negligence contributed to the child's death.