Patient Seeks Legal Remedy After Unfulfilled Assurances
Thiruvananthapuram: A 26-year-old woman has decided to move court over alleged medical negligence during a thyroid gland removal surgery at Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital, after she failed to receive the compensation and government job reportedly promised to her. She said repeated representations to authorities yielded only assurances, leaving her with no option but legal action against the Health Department and the state government.
Surgery Error and Prolonged Suffering
The woman underwent thyroid surgery on March 22, 2023, at the General Hospital. During the procedure, a guide wire—used to establish a central line for administering medicines and fluids—was allegedly left inside her chest. The mistake went unnoticed for several months, during which she suffered breathing difficulties and other serious health issues.
Negligence Comes to Light
The case drew public attention after tests conducted at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology confirmed the presence of the wire lodged in her chest and attached to blood vessels. The issue was further highlighted after a purported audio clip surfaced in which the operating doctor allegedly admitted to the lapse, raising serious concerns about patient safety in government hospitals.
Medical Board’s Recommendation
A medical board later assessed the situation and advised against removing the guide wire, stating that surgical removal could pose a grave risk to her life. Instead, it recommended leaving the wire in place under continuous medical supervision. This decision added to the patient’s distress, as the foreign object continues to remain inside her body.
Personal and Financial Impact
According to the patient’s family, the surgeon involved was arrested by Cantonment police in September 2025. Meanwhile, the woman’s health condition forced her to quit her job, pushing the family into financial hardship. With promised relief yet to materialise, she has now decided to seek judicial intervention to hold authorities accountable.
