Smoke detected again at Kozhikode Medical College's new block during inspection
Kozhikode: Just three days after smoke engulfed the newly inaugurated Rs 195-crore block of the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital -- which houses the casualty department -- smoke was again detected on Monday afternoon.
The incident occurred while officials from the Electrical Inspectorate were inspecting the site of the short circuit that took place on Friday night.
The earlier incident on Friday had sparked a controversy after five patients died. However, hospital authorities clarified that the deaths were not due to the smoke, stating that four of the patients were terminally ill, and one had been brought in dead.
Following the initial incident, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed Health Minister Veena George to visit the hospital. After her visit, she announced that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted and that patients would only be relocated back to the building after it is deemed safe.
On Monday, Kozhikode MP M.K. Raghavan, who visited the hospital following reports of renewed smoke, said the hospital principal had informed him that around 20 patients were present on the third floor at the time.
'I will bring this matter to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the building was funded under a Central government project. I will also write to Chief Minister Vijayan. A detailed probe is urgently needed -- covering every stage from construction to commissioning,' said Raghavan.
The hospital principal later clarified that the smoke was detected in an unused room on the sixth floor. The inspection team had noticed a spark during the checks, which caused a brief smoke incident that was quickly brought under control.
Meanwhile, Congress workers gathered at the hospital, demanding a thorough investigation, stating that most patients at the facility belong to economically weaker sections.
BJP workers had also raised concerns after Friday's incident, while CPI(M) cadres remained largely silent.
Attempting to calm tensions, Kozhikode Corporation Mayor Beena Philip, from the ruling CPI(M), urged the media not to sensationalise the issue and create panic among the public.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
Old structure at city's Hamidia hospital set to be demolished
Bhopal: The demolition work of an old structure at Hamidia Hospital is set to commence in full force. Four departmental OPDs from the old wing have been transferred to the Emergency and Trauma Centre building, as confirmed by Gandhi Medical College (GMC) authorities. The hospital administration has assured that OPD services will continue seamlessly at the relocated site from Monday. Dr Suneet Tandon, Hamidia hospital superintendent, verified that GMC's departments of medicine, dermatology, dentistry and additional services have been moved to the adjacent block. The existing Cathlab and diagnostic facilities for CT and MRI have been shifted to the new Block 1 high-rise. A Cathlab is nearing completion, which will enable dual Cathlab services for patients. The contract for the PPP-mode MRI centre has concluded. Sources indicate that the hospital has made an investment of approximately Rs 21 crore in new MRI and CT scan equipment, which will be installed in the 13-storey hospital building upon delivery. The demolition is required for constructing a multi-storey structure that will accommodate the state's inaugural Respiratory and Orthopedics Institute, previously slated for establishment at Idgah Hills (former TB centre operated by health department). The govt has sanctioned approximately Rs 82 crore for this regional facility. The institute, under GMC's supervision, is scheduled for completion in about 1.5 years.
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nair hospital's neuro-immunology OPD in Mumbai becomes haven for hundreds of patients
Mumbai: Nair Hospital's neuro-immunology outpatient department (OPD) has become a long-term haven for hundreds of patients. Sparked by improved diagnosis of neuro-immune disorders after the Covid-19 pandemic, the OPD celebrated its third anniversary this month. It is the only dedicated OPD in civic hospitals for such conditions, with 906 patient consultations since its launch, including 186 new diagnoses. The rest are follow-ups, as most conditions require lifelong care. For 29-year-old Mohammed Naaz Quershi, symptoms began in 2023 with a drooping eyelid, progressing to difficulty chewing and hand weakness. "Doctors told me this usually affects older people. I was confused," said the Mazgaon resident. After visiting several hospitals without answers, he was diagnosed at Mumbai Central's Nair Hospital with myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune disorder that disrupts nerve-muscle communication. While the public hospital saved him costly specialist visits, he still spends around Rs 10,000 monthly on medication. Quershi is one amongst many who rely on the department for ongoing care. So far, patients have presented with 29 different neuro-immunological conditions, all involving the immune system attacking the body. The most commonly treated include Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD), myasthenia gravis, and IgG4-related pachymeningitis. MOGAD accounts for 139 cases — 35 new cases — involving immune attacks on the spinal cord that can cause partial vision loss, seizures, and muscle weakness. Myasthenia gravis was diagnosed in 119 patients — 26 new cases — while 76 were treated for IgG4-related pachymeningitis, which causes chronic headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits. "These diseases were once considered mysterious because of a lack of diagnostic tools," said Dr Rahul Chakor, HOD at Nair Hospital's neurology department. Another neurologist from the department said, "They are relatively rare, so diagnostic tests and medications are not prioritised in public healthcare. Most tests aren't available in BMC hospitals, so we refer patients to private labs offering discounted rates. " Dr Chakor added that even as challenges persist, Nair Hospital has retained the majority of its patients. Only 20 out of 186 new patients discontinued follow-ups. "Most require lifelong treatment, but some achieve remission in two years," he said. Former KEM assistant professor Dr Parthvi Ravat's study found that PET scans can reveal brain inflammation from autoimmune causes, even when MRI and antibody tests fail. Dr Sangeeta Ravat, dean of KEM Hospital, added, "But patients often go undiagnosed for years and visit multiple hospitals. We send samples to NIMHANS in Bengaluru when tests are not available locally. NIMHANS offers testing at heavily subsidised rates. "
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
UN official lauds India Level III Hosp in Goma for peacekeeping excellence
Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, visited the India Level III Hospital in Goma on Saturday, praising its medical care and vital role in UN peacekeeping. Welcomed by Col Rajesh W Adhau, SM, Hospital Commander, Keita received a briefing on the facility's advanced surgical, intensive care, and diagnostic capabilities, critical during recent regional conflicts. As the mission's top-tier medical center, the hospital serves UN personnel across the region, earning accolades for its holistic occupational health programs, including mental health support, stress management, and preventive screenings. Keita highlighted its swift response to cholera and M-Pox outbreaks, calling it a model for public health preparedness. The hospital's humanitarian outreach, aiding FARDC (Armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo), PNC forces (Congolese National Police), and civilians, showcased its commitment beyond its mandate. Keita commended the staff's professionalism and resilience under pressure, noting their work bolsters mission effectiveness and peacekeeper morale. She honored Col Adhau's leadership and reaffirmed UN's focus on peacekeepers' well-being.
