Health authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation today (28) following a complaint regarding the death of a patient in an ambulance at Vavuniya Chettikulama Hospital.
Thirunavkarasu Anandarasa, a 60-year-old father of two from chettikulam, was admitted to Chettikulam Base Hospital last Sunday (23) due to chest pain. Blood samples taken from him were sent to Vavuniya General Hospital for analysis. The Vavuniya General Hospital then instructed Chettikulam Base Hospital to urgently transfer Anandarasa to Vavuniya Hospital for further treatment.
On Wednesday (26) at approximately 3 pm, Anandarasa was transported by ambulance from Settikulam Base Hospital to Vavuniya General Hospital. However, after traveling about 15 km, the ambulance was recalled to Chettikulam Base Hospital to pick up an additional person. Anandarasa, who was returned to Chettikulam Base Hospital, passed away later that day.
Relatives and local residents have accused the hospital of causing the patient’s death due to delays in providing necessary treatment. In response, they surrounded Settikulama Hospital, protesting loudly until the police intervened to calm the situation.
The deceased’s body was transported to Vavuniya Hospital on Thursday (27), where an autopsy was performed in the presence of Coroner Karunanidhi Hariprasad. Following the autopsy, the body was handed over to the relatives.
The family has since filed a complaint with the senior health authorities in Vavuniya, demanding an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Anandarasa’s death.
Authorities are now working to determine the exact sequence of events and whether any negligence contributed to the patient’s demise.