Kerala Woman Files Complaint After Cloth Allegedly Left in Abdomen During Surgery
A woman from Menamkulam in Thiruvananthapuram has lodged a formal complaint with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging severe medical negligence by a private hospital in the city. The complainant, Sheeba Pramod, claims that a piece of cloth was left stitched inside her abdomen during a surgical procedure late last year, leading to months of persistent pain and complications.
Details of the Alleged Negligence
Sheeba Pramod accused CSI Mission Hospital at Kazhakkoottam of negligence during an appendectomy performed on December 3. According to her complaint, she initially approached the hospital on December 2 after developing a fever, followed by severe abdominal pain the next day. Medical examinations and a scan reportedly diagnosed appendicitis, prompting doctors to advise immediate surgery due to bleeding.
However, her ordeal did not end with the surgery. Sheeba alleged that abdominal pain continued for nearly three months post-operation, with the surgical wound failing to heal properly. The site remained infected and developed pus, forcing her to seek treatment at another hospital.
Discovery and Subsequent Surgery
During further examination at the second hospital, doctors conducted a scan and discovered a piece of cloth allegedly left inside her abdomen during the initial surgery at CSI Mission Hospital. This discovery necessitated another operation to remove the cloth fragment, adding to her medical burden.
In her complaint to the chief minister, Sheeba detailed the prolonged suffering, additional treatments, and financial strain caused by the alleged negligence. She was discharged from the private hospital on December 12, several days after the appendectomy, but her health issues persisted.
Hospital Response and Investigation Calls
Hospital authorities reportedly stated that it is unclear how the cloth piece ended up inside the patient's abdomen or where it originated from. This incident has triggered calls for a thorough investigation into the matter, renewing concerns over medical negligence in private healthcare facilities across Kerala.
Officials are expected to examine the allegations closely to determine whether further action is warranted. The case highlights ongoing issues in healthcare safety and patient rights, prompting discussions on stricter oversight and accountability in medical practices.
