Published Jun 04, 2026 | 5:04 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 04, 2026 | 5:04 PM
Kozhikode Medical College. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Rijith underwent a kidney stone-related surgery in August, but developed post-surgical complications later. Though he underwent another surgery, his health steadily deteriorated, resulting in his death. His family alleged medical negligence, saying the wrong kidney was operated upon initially. The hospital has refuted the charge.
Relatives of a deceased man have accused the Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode of medical negligence, leading to his death after — what they claimed — a botched renal surgery.
The deceased, identified as Rijith, had undergone treatment in the hospital’s Urology Department for kidney-related ailments.
Family members said he was admitted in August 2025 for a keyhole procedure to remove stones from his left kidney, but doctors mistakenly operated on the right kidney.
They claimed the surgery led to severe complications, including infection and persistent wounds, causing his health to deteriorate steadily.
The relatives said the hospital authorities discharged him despite his worsening condition.
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He was later readmitted and underwent another procedure on the left kidney. The family further alleged that doctors assured them the wounds would heal with rest and home care, even as his condition failed to improve.
Rijith was admitted again on 18 May after his health reportedly declined further.
He was shifted to the intensive care unit on 30 May after infections spread to his kidneys and lungs. He remained on ventilator support before passing away on Thursday, 4 June.
The family has also accused a former head of the Urology Department of accepting a “special fee” for treatment at his residence.
However, the doctor concerned denied the allegation and maintained that there was no lapse in treatment.
Hospital authorities rejected the accusations of negligence, stating that Rijith had kidney failure and stones in both kidneys when he approached the hospital.
According to officials, multiple procedures were necessary because not all stones could be removed at once. They also said his deteriorating health was largely due to pre-existing kidney complications and recurrent infections.
Following complaints lodged by the family, the Medical College police have registered a case and begun an investigation.
Meanwhile, the hospital principal has sought a detailed report from the Urology Department regarding the treatment provided to the patient.
