Forceps in abdomen case: Police file case against former gynecology dept head

Kottayam: Ambalapuzha police on Saturday filed a case against Dr Lalithambica Karunakaran, former head of gynaecology department of Alappuzha Medical College at Vandanam, in connection with an incident wherein a pair of artery forceps, a surgical instrument, was left inside a patient's abdomen during surgery at the MCH.Ambalappuzha deputy superintendent of police is heading the team investigating the case wherein forceps were left in the abdomen of Usha Joseph (51), from Punnapra, during a hysterectomy on May 12, 2021. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Usha's relative and charged under BNS Sections 125 and 125(A) for causing danger to human life and safety. More persons may be added as accused in the case, police said.Interestingly, those who were part of the medical team in May 2021, including assistant professor Dr Shahida and nurse P S Dhanya, were not named as accused in the FIR. Also, the date and year of surgery were incorrectly documented in the FIR. Police said it was a technical error. Meanwhile, Usha on Saturday underwent a surgery at a private hospital in Kochi in the presence of two govt-appointed doctors and a pair of artery forceps was removed from her abdomen. The instrument was handed over to Ambalapuzha police as evidence. Police also recorded Usha's statement while undergoing treatment. Necessary medical records and statements from doctors presently treating her will be collected.A three-member expert team appointed by health department, including additional director of health department Dr Jayashree Vamanan, Dr Ranju Ravindran and Dr Thomas, submitted a report to director of medical education on Saturday.Earlier, Dr Shahida and nurse Dhanya were suspended based on a report by a four-member committee appointed by Alappuzha medical college authorities submitted on Friday.