Kerala: Congress MLA Uma Thomas on Ventilator Support after Fall at Kochi Stadium

Uma Thomas, Congress MLA from Kerala’s Thrikkakara, is currently in critical condition following a fall at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Sunday evening. The MLA sustained severe injuries to her head and spine after falling from the VIP gallery at the stadium. She was immediately rushed to a private hospital near the venue by volunteers and onlookers, and is currently under ventilator support.

According to a medical bulletin issued by the hospital, Uma Thomas sustained fractures to her face and ribs, along with internal bleeding in her lungs. The injuries also affected her spinal cord and head. She is currently on ventilator support and remains under critical care. Hospital officials stated that her condition continues to be critical, and they are monitoring her closely.

Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, who visited the hospital, confirmed the severity of the injuries. "She has sustained a head injury and multiple fractures. She needs to be monitored for the next 24 hours. We are providing all the medical help,” he said.

Videos doing rounds on social media showed people at the stadium quickly lifting the unconscious MLA and rushing her to the hospital. Thomas had been attending the Mridanga Naadam Bharatanatyam Programme at the stadium, which was set to be inaugurated by Kerala's Culture Affairs Minister, Saji Cherian. The event featured around 12,000 dancers, including actor-dancer Divya Unni, and was attempting to set a Guinness World Record.

In response to the incident, Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George and Industries Minister P Rajeeve visited the hospital. They assured the public that an expert medical team from the Health Department would be joining the hospital's medical board to assist in her treatment. This team, led by Kottayam Medical College Superintendent Dr. Jayakumar, includes specialists from Kottayam and Ernakulam Government Medical Colleges. The ministers also held discussions with the doctors treating Uma Thomas, ensuring that she receives the best possible care during this time.