Death of Tribal girl – Evangelical Fake Hospital closed in Wayanad

An illegal hospital being run by a group of nuns for proselytisation in Wayanad has come under scrutiny, following which authorities of the health department got it closed. The hospital came under investigation following the death of Anila, a tribal girl who was afflicted with jaundice. The health department conducted an investigation which yielded unsatisfactory results, including recovery of fake certificates of people who posed around as doctors. This has resulted in the shut down of the illegal hospital which had been functioning for 40 years.

Drug Inspectors from Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad are said to have conducted a raid, where many medicines that were being used long after expiry date, were seized. According to officials, “possession of drugs in a hospital and its sale, in absence of recognized/ licensed doctors and without drug license is a serious offense.

Also the tribal girl who lost her life was treated by Sister Sheela Augustine who was masquerading as a doctor, under possession of fake certificates. There are also reports of Sister Sheela having amassed wealth, in the name of treating patients for curing infertility. Many patients who are said to have lost their eye sight following treatment administered by Sister Sheela, are now gearing up to take legal proceedings against her. But reports of background work intensifying to absolve Sheela of all misconduct, are said to be taking shape in the background.

The hospital is said to have functioned with out panchayat registration or license. Health department has ordered an inquiry to find out if wrong treatment or prescription of outdated medicines have caused the death. A case has also been registered by Child Welfare Association of Wayanad, following media reports on Anila’s death. Hospital authorities have been asked to furnish all details with regard to the treatment, in a week’s time. Primary investigations are being conducted by Kenichira police station.