Opposition parties in Kerala are demanding accountability from the state government regarding a surgical instrument found inside a woman’s abdomen. The instrument was discovered five years after she underwent surgery at Alappuzha Medical College.
Surgical Lapse Sparks Outcry
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala criticized the state’s government hospitals. He called the Alappuzha incident a prime example of mismanagement. Usha Joseph, a resident of Punnapra, is the latest patient affected. A forceps was found in her abdomen after a 2021 surgery.
Chennithala stated that systemic failures prevent citizens from trusting government healthcare facilities. He argued that ministers must address these issues. He pointed to a previous similar incident in Kozhikode, noting no preventative actions followed.
Chennithala demanded the government cover Usha Joseph’s medical expenses. He called for full support for her and her family. He also alleged that patients seeking treatment at medical colleges are sometimes returning deceased. He claimed medical officials who report hospital problems face suppression.
The opposition leader questioned the government’s spending priorities. He asked if the government had funds for public programs but not for needy patients. Congress MP K C Venugopal echoed these concerns.
Officials Face Investigation
Venugopal, representing Alappuzha, stated that medical negligence incidents are increasing in government facilities. He contrasted this with the government’s claims of leading healthcare. He described Joseph’s distress after their conversation.
Joseph reportedly endured pain for five years with the instrument inside her. Venugopal called this a system failure. He criticized medical authorities for allegedly downplaying such errors when reported.
The family told Venugopal that medical college doctors advised them against disclosure. He believes this indicates an effort to cover up the incident. He expressed disappointment that the government had not acted sooner.
Joseph now fears returning to government hospitals. Venugopal noted she was instructed to return to the medical college the following Monday. She is currently at a Kochi hospital. Surgery is planned to remove the instrument, identified as likely an artery forceps or mosquito forceps.
Health Minister Veena George announced an inquiry into the incident. She also suspended the medical officials involved in the surgery. The investigation aims to determine how the lapse occurred and prevent future occurrences.