Alappuzha, 24 July (H.S.):The family of a 25-year-old woman has filed a police complaint alleging medical negligence against a private hospital in Alappuzha after she died following surgery to remove a uterine fibroid.

Swathi, a native of Karunagappally in Kollam district, had reportedly been suffering from persistent abdominal pain. Medical examinations revealed a uterine fibroid, following which she was admitted to Kayamkulam Medical Trust Hospital for surgery.

According to her family, the operation was performed on the night of July 17. Doctors initially informed them that the procedure had been completed successfully and that there were no major complications. The family said they were reassured that Swathi's condition was stable after the surgery.

However, they were later informed that she had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. As her condition worsened, she was shifted to a private hospital in Parumala for advanced treatment. Despite remaining under intensive care for several days, Swathi died on Wednesday.

Following her death, the family approached the police, alleging lapses in treatment and seeking a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to her death.

The relatives have raised several questions over the hospital's handling of the case. They alleged that doctors sought Swathi's blood test reports only after she had been taken into the operation theatre, a move they believe points to serious procedural lapses. They also claimed there was an undue delay in transferring her to a better-equipped hospital despite her suffering a severe cardiac emergency.

The hospital has denied any negligence, maintaining that the surgery was successful and that Swathi suffered an unexpected heart attack during treatment. According to the hospital, the cardiac event, and not the surgical procedure, was responsible for her death.

Police have acknowledged receipt of the complaint and are expected to initiate an inquiry into the allegations. The investigation is likely to focus on whether standard medical protocols were followed before, during and after the surgery, as well as the timeline of her referral to the higher medical facility.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman