Could Medical Negligence Be Behind Kerala Woman's Suffering After Guide Wire Left in Chest?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Medical negligence can have severe consequences on patients.
- Transparency and accountability are crucial in healthcare.
- Audio evidence can play a significant role in exposing negligence.
- Patients have the right to demand proper medical care.
- Healthcare authorities must prioritize patient safety.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 28 (NationPress) An alarming case of medical negligence has emerged from the Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital, where a young woman is suffering after a guide wire was inadvertently left within her chest following surgery.
The issue gained attention after an audio recording surfaced, in which the surgeon acknowledged the blunder.
In a conversation with the patient’s family member, the doctor admitted, “What transpired was indeed a mistake.” He mentioned that the problem was only revealed through an X-ray and indicated that the personnel responsible for inserting the medicinal tube were at fault.
The patient, Sumayya, from Malayinkeezhu in Kattakkada, underwent a thyroid gland removal surgery at the General Hospital on March 22, 2023.
When accessing a vein became challenging after the operation, a central line was placed to deliver blood and medications. Unfortunately, the guide wire utilized for this procedure was not extracted and remains lodged in her chest.
Subsequent examinations at Sree Chitra Institute confirmed that the guide wire had adhered to her blood vessels.
Specialists have now ruled out the possibility of surgically removing it, forcing Sumayya to endure the repercussions of this negligence.
Her family claims that the doctor concealed the fact that the wire was left inside, despite being aware of it.
As her health continues to decline, Sumayya has lodged complaints with the Health Department and the Leader of Opposition, demanding accountability and adequate medical assistance.
In light of growing public concern, the District Medical Officer (DMO) has requested a comprehensive report from the hospital authorities.
This incident parallels a previous case involving a homemaker, Harshina, who made headlines after visiting Kozhikode Medical College in 2017 for her third childbirth.
She reported persistent abdominal pain, which did not subside despite numerous consultations. Ultimately, a detailed radiological examination uncovered a foreign object—a pair of scissors—lodged in her abdomen, which was subsequently removed in surgery at the same hospital.