Shamna's death: Delays hit Ernakulam Medical College bid to procure equipment

KOCHI: The exercise to install the needed equipment and facilities at the Ernakulam Government Medical College (EMC), as ordered by Health Minister K.K. Shylaja following the death of MBBS student Shamna Tasnim some days ago, has not gained speed. Even five days after the order, the authorities have not been able to procure or install anything and it is learnt that their request in this regard has been returned from the office of the Director of Medical Education (DME).

“The list has been returned for want of details. Now the principal has been asked to furnish all specifics of the equipment and other items required, including the number needed. The principal is now expected to submit the same to the DME on Friday which will then be forwarded to Kerala Medical Service Corporation Limited (KMSCL) which has to procure them,” said sources.

A review meeting was held with the students by the principal on Thursday to assess the progress in this regard. The students were told that 15 nurses will be deployed soon. The nursing students passing out from the college will be absorbed in this. Training will be given to the existing nurses so that they perform better.

Meanwhile, the post-mortem report of Shamna is yet to reach either the principal or the investigating police officer. It is understood that the forensic department at the Alappuzha Medical College is waiting for the test results from the virology, pathology, toxicology and other labs to arrive at a final conclusion and then prepare the post-mortem report.

“It can be expected anytime. However, since the MCI inspection and some exams are going on at the medical college, the departments are busy and hence test results are delayed. We hope to finalise the result within 10 days maximum,” said a senior Alappuzha MC official.