Mariyam shifted to main Manipal Hospital

Three-year-old Mariyam Kousar was shifted from Malathi Manipal Hospital to the main Manipal Hospital at 1 am on Thursday, a day after her family members requested that she be shifted to Singapore for treatment at the State’s expense. 

Mariyam, a victim of alleged overdose of anaesthesia, has been receiving treatment for over five months at the Malathi Manipal Hospital. Doctors have advised installation of a stent to remove water accumulated in her brain.

Rafiulla, Mariam's uncle, said that the surgery would cost them around Rs 2.5 lakh. “We are not sure about the outcome.So we will consult neurosurgeons at Nimhans before proceeding further,” he said.

Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader explained that the family had initially asked for a reimbursement of medical expenses. However, none turned up to collect the money. “The chief minister had sanctioned Rs two lakh. After that I had asked the parents and relatives to come to my office, telling them that I will take them to the chief minister, but they did not come,”he said.

Dr H S Sudarshan Ballal, Director, Manipal Hospital, said that the family was insisting on revaluation of Mariyam's condition. “A team of neurosurgeons has been monitoring the child. Her vital parameters are stable and she is off the ventilator and there is no infection. But she is fed through tubes,” he explained.