Child dies after allegedly consuming surgical spirit

Samanthi Weerasekara and Asela Kuruluwansa

Consultant JMO Dr. Sarathchandra Kodikara of the Peradeniya University Medical Faculty yesterday returned an open verdict at the inquest on the death of Viduranga Vihanga Kumarasinghe, a three and a half year old boy who died at the Kandy hospital on Tuesday after consuming a vial of surgical spirits.

He also ordered police to send the boy's stomach contents to the government analyst for examination and report.

Viduranga who had consumed surgical spirits was admitted to the Nawalapitiya hospital in a critical condition by his parents. He was later transferred to the Kandy Hospital where he died.

It was revealed at the inquest that the boy had been given a dose of brandy as an antidote at the ward. The boy's father S.A. Kumarasinghe in his complaint to the police alleged that his child died due to medical negligence.

Kandy police are investigating.