Hospital Mishap: Surgical Instrument Left Inside Patient's Body for Five Years

A Punnapra native, Usha Joseph, discovered an artery forceps left inside her abdomen for five years following surgery at Alappuzha Medical College. A subsequent X-ray revealed the oversight. The family criticized the hospital for its oversight, and Health Minister Veena George announced an investigation into the incident.

In a concerning medical oversight, an artery forceps was discovered inside Usha Joseph's abdomen, five years post a surgical procedure she underwent at Alappuzha Medical College. The instrument's revelation came after Joseph sought medical advice for persistent abdominal pain.

Relatives accused the medical college of negligence, citing multiple failed attempts by the hospital to diagnose the pain's cause. The error was eventually revealed through an X-ray recommended by a different doctor suspecting a kidney stone.

The Kerala Health Minister, Veena George, announced a rigorous investigation, suspending officials involved. George emphasized the need for adherence to protocol to prevent such incidents, stressing that accountability will be enforced based on the inquiry's findings.

(With inputs from agencies.)