Thiruvananthapuram: Health minister Veena George ordered setting up an expert committee to inquire into the incident in which forceps were found in the abdomen of a 51-year-old woman, who underwent surgery at Alappuzha Govt Medical College Hospital in Vandanam almost five years ago.The ministry had ordered a preliminary inquiry soon after the incident was reported and the report was submitted to district medical officer (DMO).
“I asked the DMO to set up a committee to carry out an investigation based on the preliminary report. The expert committee will submit its report as quickly as possible,” said George.She said that action would be taken based on the expert committee report. Those still in service might be suspended, while those who have retired will be traced, she added.Usha Joseph, from South Punnapra in Alappuzha, was admitted to the govt hospital on May 10, 2021. Surgery was performed on May 12 and she was discharged on May 15. The forceps were found in Joseph’s body when an X-Ray was taken at a private hospital after the patient started getting severe abdominal pain and blood in urine.George said that a medical board would be formed to explore further treatment, including surgery to remove the forceps. “Govt will supervise the procedures that will be performed on her. The patient is now admitted to a private hospital,” said the minister.George said that the doctor doesn’t appear to remember the case that happened in 2021.She said, as per World Health Organisation protocol, the scrub nurse and the doctor are equally responsible for the fault. It is the responsibility of the doctor and nurse to ensure that all equipment is accounted for after surgery, she added.
