The family of the 51-year-old woman health inspector who reportedly collapsed and died during a panchayat meeting shortly after receiving a transfer order have decided to complain against the Kannur District Medical Officer (DMO), alleging that her health condition was ignored despite being brought to the authorities’ attention.

Deepa Lekha, Health inspector at the Chokli Family Health Centre (FHC) and a native of Vadakara, reportedly collapsed while attending a standing committee meeting of the panchayat and died despite being taken first to a clinic at Chokli and later to a private hospital in Kannur.

A preliminary postmortem report indicated that Deepa Lekha died of stroke. The report also noted that mental stress could have contributed to the condition.

The family alleged that the DMO had been informed about her condition, but the official failed to give it due consideration and deliberately proceeded with the transfer. The relatives and the NGO union are planning to submit a complaint to the Health Minister seeking an inquiry into the circumstances leading to her death and action against those responsible.

Deepa Lekha had sustained a leg injury in a scooter accident a few months ago and had undergone treatment for nearly three months. She had difficulty walking and had only recently returned to duty after leave.

According to her relatives and colleagues, her health condition had been brought to the DMO’s attention. She was included in the draft transfer list prepared after the change in government and was initially proposed for transfer to the Mattannur health centre. She had reportedly sought permission to continue at Chokli, citing her health issues, but was instead transferred to Pinarayi. Her colleagues said she had been under mental stress over the transfer and alleged that the transfer-related stress contributed to her death.