Thiruvananthapuram, 02 June (H.S.):

Allegations of medical negligence have surfaced at the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram after maggots were allegedly discovered in the surgical wound of a 61-year-old accident victim undergoing treatment, prompting the state government to order an inquiry into the incident.

The patient, Rajendra Prasad, a resident of Parippally in Kollam district, was admitted to the Medical College Hospital after sustaining severe injuries to his leg in a motorcycle accident on May 28. According to family members, the accident caused extensive damage to blood vessels in his leg, necessitating specialised treatment and surgery.

Following the operation, Rajendra Prasad was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he remained under observation for several days. His relatives claim that access to the patient was strictly restricted during his stay in the ICU, with doctors warning them about the possibility of post-surgical infection.

The controversy erupted on Monday when the patient was shifted from the ICU to a general ward. According to relatives, his grandson noticed small maggots in the injured leg while helping him. Family members allege that they immediately informed hospital staff but did not receive a prompt response.

Relatives further claimed that a foul smell had been emanating from the wound for at least two days before the discovery. They allege that concerns raised at the time were not adequately addressed. The family maintains that the infestation must have developed while Rajendra Prasad was still in the ICU and rejected suggestions that it could have occurred after he was moved to the ward.

The patient’s relatives also alleged that dressing changes were not carried out regularly and that hospital staff initially attempted to downplay the seriousness of the situation. Rajendra Prasad is currently undergoing further treatment and is expected to require plastic surgery. According to the family, doctors had initially warned that amputation might be necessary because of the extent of the injuries but later decided to proceed with limb-saving surgery.

The family has announced plans to file a formal complaint with the police alleging medical negligence.

Responding to the controversy, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said a special committee had been constituted to investigate the incident. The panel, comprising the Medical College Vice Principal and the heads of the Orthopaedics and Surgery departments, has been directed to submit a report within 48 hours.

“The circumstances under which the incident occurred, including whether it happened while the patient was in the ICU, will be examined in detail,” the minister said. Hospital authorities have not yet issued a detailed public response to the allegations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman