Veena George Orders Probe into Alleged Criminal Negligence
Alappuzha: In a shocking case of alleged medical negligence, an artery forceps was reportedly discovered inside a woman’s abdomen nearly five years after she underwent surgery at the Government Medical College Hospital Alappuzha. The surgery had been performed for the removal of uterine fibroids.
The issue came to light after the patient continued to suffer from recurring abdominal pain and discomfort over the years. According to her family, she had visited the same hospital multiple times, but doctors allegedly failed to identify the cause of her persistent symptoms.
Recently, when she sought consultation from another doctor, she was initially suspected to have a kidney stone and was advised to undergo an X-ray. The imaging reportedly revealed an artery forceps lodged inside her abdomen, bringing the shocking lapse to light, as reported by The Hindu.
Following the discovery, doctors at the medical college hospital allegedly offered to conduct a procedure to remove the instrument. However, the family chose to shift the patient to a private hospital in Ernakulam for further treatment. The patient’s son also alleged that hospital authorities refused compensation and challenged him to pursue a medical negligence complaint.
The family has filed a complaint against the surgeon who performed the operation and has since retired. They claimed that repeated private consultations with the same doctor over the years did not provide relief or diagnosis of the underlying issue.
Responding to the allegations, the retired doctor denied any wrongdoing. She stated that the surgery took place during the COVID period and close to her superannuation, when she was handling additional responsibilities. She further denied conducting major surgeries toward the end of her service and refuted claims of private meetings or unofficial payments.
The doctor attributed the incident to lapses in documentation and alleged failure by nursing staff to properly maintain and audit records of surgical instruments used during the procedure. She also controversially claimed that surgical instruments left inside the body may not cause harm for decades.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George strongly criticised the explanation, stating that the surgeon could not absolve herself of responsibility for a procedure conducted under her watch. Calling it a “clear case of criminal negligence,” she ordered a formal investigation and indicated that a police probe may follow. A team of government doctors is set to visit the private hospital where the patient is currently admitted, and an anti-corruption inquiry may also be initiated, as government doctors are barred from private practice while receiving non-practising allowance.
