Alappuzha, 21 Feb (H.S.):
Police have registered a case against a senior doctor at Government Medical College Hospital, Alappuzha, in connection with a shocking incident in which a surgical scissors was allegedly left inside a patient’s abdomen during an operation.
The case has been filed against Dr. Lalithambika, the Head of the Department and Unit Chief at the time of the surgery. Acting on a complaint lodged by a relative of the patient, Usha Joseph, Ambalappuzha police booked the doctor under Sections 125 and 125(m) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to acts endangering human life and personal safety. The offences are bailable.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused acted in a manner that endangered the life and safety of the patient. Notably, the surgeon who performed the procedure, Dr. J. Shahida, and other members of the surgical team have not been named as accused in the police case so far. However, officials indicated that more persons could be added as the investigation progresses.
The Health Department had earlier suspended Dr. Shahida and nurse P.S. Dhanya, who were part of the surgical team, based on a preliminary inquiry report submitted by the Medical College Principal. Dr. Shahida is currently serving in the Department of Gynaecology at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.
Usha Joseph, a native of Punnapra, underwent surgery at the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital on May 12, 2021. It is alleged that due to a surgical lapse, a scissors was inadvertently left inside her abdomen, forcing her to endure severe physical suffering for nearly five years.
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has also taken suo motu cognisance of the incident. Commission member V. Geetha has directed the Director of Medical Education and the hospital superintendent to submit detailed reports within two weeks.
Meanwhile, Usha has been shifted to Amrita Hospital in Ernakulam for advanced treatment. Doctors there will decide on further surgical intervention after conducting expert evaluations.
The incident has sparked serious concerns over surgical safety protocols and accountability in government hospitals, with calls growing for a thorough and transparent investigation.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
