A 23-year-old man from Somangalam died about three hours after being admitted to Tambaram District Government Hospital for fever on Tuesday evening, prompting his family to file a complaint alleging medical negligence with Somangalam police.
The deceased, identified as Parthasarathy, lived on Pillaiyar Koil Street in Melathur, Somangalam, and worked as an office assistant at a private college in the locality, according to a report by DT Next. Police said he had been suffering from high fever for several days and had initially received treatment at a private hospital.
A blood test at the private hospital reportedly indicated signs of dengue fever. Parthasarathy was subsequently admitted to Tambaram District Government Hospital at around 6 pm on Tuesday. He was declared dead at approximately 8.30 pm, leaving his family and relatives seeking an explanation for the rapid deterioration.
His brother and other relatives later approached Somangalam police station and filed a complaint seeking appropriate action. The complaint alleges medical negligence, but the report does not state that police have registered a case or reached a conclusion on responsibility.
Hospital authorities have disputed the interpretation of the earlier test and said Parthasarathy had been diagnosed with an ordinary fever. According to the hospital, his platelet count had reportedly been 83,000 at the private hospital. Tests conducted after his admission to the government hospital showed a platelet count of 1.3 lakh, hospital authorities said.
Based on the later test result, the hospital said he was treated for ordinary fever. The account provided by the hospital differs from the family’s concern that the earlier dengue indication and the patient’s condition required a different assessment. The available report does not establish whether the differing platelet counts reflected a change in the patient’s condition, differences between tests or another medical factor.
During treatment at the government hospital, Parthasarathy suddenly lost consciousness and was placed on ventilator support. Hospital staff attempted to revive him, but he died, according to the report.
The case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and clear communication when patients move between private and public healthcare facilities, particularly during fever outbreaks when dengue is among the conditions doctors may need to assess. However, the circumstances of this case remain unresolved, and neither medical negligence nor the precise cause of death has been established.
Hospital authorities have initiated arrangements for an autopsy. The post-mortem examination is expected to help determine the cause of death, while the police complaint will form the basis for any further inquiry by the authorities.
