Panel of experts to probe alleged medical negligence at Neyyattinkara government hospital

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health minister Veena George said that an expert panel, headed by the district medical officer (DMO), will probe the incident in which a piece of cotton was allegedly left inside the uterus of a woman during caesarean at Neyyattinkara government hospital.

The minister said that the DMO has been asked to submit a report after conducting an inquiry into the incident. Sources at the office of the DMO said that an expert panel has already started a probe into the incident and a report on this will be submitted before the minister in a day or two.

The incident took place on July 26, 2022, as a Neyyattinkara-based woman Jeethu (24), underwent a surgery for delivery at the government hospital.

However, the woman was feeling discomfort even months after the surgery. Eight months after the surgery, this March she was admitted to a private hospital with severe stomach pain.

During scanning, doctors found a piece of cotton inside the uterus and recommended surgery.

Through a risky surgery, the cotton piece was removed from the uterus and the woman had to remain in the hospital for 20 days to recover.

Following this, she filed a complaint with the Neyyattinkara police station and also with the superintendent of the Neyyattinkara government hospital. The hospital authorities admitted the mistake from their side and also apologized to the woman. However, she demanded action against the doctors following which the health minister intervened in the issue.