Newborn’s death after C-section sparks protests at Nedumangad taluk hospital in Kerala

The death of a newborn soon after the baby was taken out through a C-section delivery at Nedumangad taluk hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) has triggered major protests and altercations at the hospital, with the family refusing to accept the body of the infant and alleging that medical negligence had led to the death.

Following massive protests at the hospital by the family as well as various political outfits, K.J. Reena, Director of Health Services, on Wednesday directed Bindu Sundar, gynaecologist and RMO at the taluk hospital, to go on forced leave.

There were previous instances when complaints were raised against the same doctor, about which expert inquiry is still on.

A three-member team of expert doctors from SAT Hospital is expected to reach the Nedumangad hospital on Wednesday to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident.

KGMOA protest

Meanwhile, the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) has protested against the manner in which doctors are being subjected to “trial by mob and the media even before an inquiry was conducted to ascertain the facts of the case.”