Kerala Police File Case Against Former Medical College Head Over Surgical Negligence
In a significant development concerning medical malpractice, the Ambalapuzha police in Kottayam district registered a formal case on Saturday against Dr Lalithambica Karunakaran, the former head of the gynaecology department at Alappuzha Medical College in Vandanam. The case stems from a disturbing incident where a pair of artery forceps, a critical surgical instrument, was inadvertently left inside a patient's abdomen during a surgical procedure at the Medical College Hospital (MCH).
Details of the Surgical Error and Police Investigation
The investigation, led by the Ambalapuzha deputy superintendent of police, focuses on the case of Usha Joseph, a 51-year-old resident of Punnapra. During a hysterectomy performed on May 12, 2021, the surgical forceps were left inside her abdomen. The police action was initiated based on a complaint filed by a relative of Usha Joseph, with charges framed under BNS Sections 125 and 125(A), which pertain to causing danger to human life and safety. Authorities have indicated that additional individuals may be named as accused as the probe progresses.
Notable Omissions and Documentation Errors in FIR
Interestingly, the First Information Report (FIR) did not include as accused other members of the medical team involved in the May 2021 surgery, such as assistant professor Dr Shahida and nurse P S Dhanya. Furthermore, the FIR contained an incorrect documentation of the surgery's date and year, which police officials have attributed to a technical error. This discrepancy highlights procedural lapses in the initial reporting of the case.
Recent Surgical Intervention and Evidence Collection
In a crucial turn of events, Usha Joseph underwent a subsequent surgery on Saturday at a private hospital in Kochi. The procedure, conducted in the presence of two government-appointed doctors, successfully removed the pair of artery forceps from her abdomen. The retrieved surgical instrument has been handed over to the Ambalapuzha police as material evidence. Police authorities have also recorded Usha's statement while she was undergoing treatment and plan to collect necessary medical records and statements from the doctors currently overseeing her care.
Expert Committee Report and Disciplinary Actions
A three-member expert team appointed by the health department, comprising additional director Dr Jayashree Vamanan, along with Dr Ranju Ravindran and Dr Thomas, submitted their findings to the director of medical education on Saturday. Prior to this, based on a report from a four-member committee appointed by Alappuzha Medical College authorities, which was submitted on Friday, Dr Shahida and nurse Dhanya were suspended. These disciplinary measures underscore the seriousness with which the medical institution and health authorities are treating the allegations of negligence.
The case has sparked discussions about patient safety and accountability in medical practices, with ongoing investigations expected to reveal further details about the circumstances leading to this grave oversight.
