The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Kerala State Branch on Friday (July 17, 2026) demanded that the death of a child following an alleged anaesthetic procedure at a hospital in Payyannur be examined by an independent panel of medical experts, warning against speculation and “media trials” before the completion of a scientific inquiry.Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, IMA president M.N. Menon in a statement said the death of the child was an immeasurable tragedy, and that the medical fraternity shared the family’s grief.Dr. Menon said the administration of general anaesthesia for repairing and suturing facial injuries in children is a globally accepted medical practice and is often necessary to ensure the patient’s safety, minimise pain and psychological trauma, facilitate meticulous wound repair, and achieve the best functional and cosmetic outcome.He said the decision on whether surgery is required, when it should be performed, and the type of anaesthesia to be administered are clinical judgements made by the team of doctors based on the patient’s condition. In cases involving facial injuries in children, the need for wound exploration, repair, and general anaesthesia can be assessed only after experts examine the nature of the injury, patient’s condition, medical records, and accepted standards of care.The association noted that medicine is not free from rare and unforeseen complications and said an adverse outcome does not establish medical negligence. It stressed that negligence can be determined only through a scientific evaluation by competent experts.Expressing concern over what it termed as “media trials”, the IMA said selective interpretations of post-mortem findings were being projected as conclusive evidence of negligence before a professional inquiry had been completed, which could unfairly damage individuals and institutions.Citing the Supreme Court, the National Medical Commission, and the Kerala Government, the IMA said expert medical opinion is essential before attributing criminal negligence to a doctor. Published - July 17, 2026 08:01 pm IST