Based on the woman’s complaint, Mananthavady police registered an FIR and booked the doctor and duty nurses under Sections 125 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). During the probe, police found that the staff were allegedly negligent in her treatment and post-operative care, which resulted in a surgical cloth being left inside her body.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that a serious medical negligence allegation surfaced at the Mananthavady Government Medical College Hospital after a 21-year-old woman claimed that a piece of cotton cloth was found inside her body more than two months after her cesarean delivery.
Also read- Medical Negligence? Cotton cloth found inside woman two months after C-Section
In response to the allegation, the District Medical Officer (DMO), Wayanad, has ordered an investigation into the incident. The inquiry was initiated after the woman approached Kerala Minister O.R. Kelu, alleging serious lapses in the treatment she received at the government hospital.
The incident took place after the woman delivered a baby through cesarean section on October 20, 2025, and was discharged on October 25. Soon after returning home, she developed severe abdominal pain and revisited the hospital. However, she was allegedly advised only to drink water and was sent back without a proper examination. A similar response was reportedly given during her second visit as well.
The woman said her pain and discomfort continued for several weeks. On December 29, she noticed a foul smell emanating from her body and noticed the passage of a cotton cloth, which she alleged had been left behind during her childbirth. She also reported persistent pain and other health issues during this period. Her family members claimed that the gauze used to control bleeding after childbirth may not have been removed, leading to prolonged suffering and infection.
The newly constituted inquiry committee includes three expert doctors. The woman submitted the cloth to the panel during the inquiry, and the investigation is ongoing.
Wayanad District Medical Officer (DMO) Ancy Paul Jacob told Onmanorama, "I will submit the report to both the Director of Health Services and the Directorate of Medical Education. I am not in a position to comment on the merit of the allegations at this stage. We have to wait for the expert panel's report."
Meanwhile, the woman, after submitting her statement to the committee, told the media, "I need justice. My repeated complaints that something was stuck inside my body were ignored."
Also read- Cloth found in woman's abdomen months after surgery: FIR against Greater Noida doctors, CMO
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.