Alleged Medical Negligence: Needle stuck in newborn's thigh for 24 days after vaccination at Kannur MCH

Kannur: A case of medical negligence has been registered against a doctor and nursing staff at Kannur Government Medical College after a 3.7 cm-long needle was found in the thigh of a 25-day-old baby girl following vaccination. The newborn reportedly endured pain and carried the object for 24 days. However, the hospital administration has refuted the allegations.  

The baby is currently recovering after doctors at a private hospital in Payyannur surgically removed the needle from her thigh on January 18, 2025. The incident came to light when she developed swelling and pus formation almost immediately after the vaccination.

It is reported that the nursing staff at the medical college administered two vaccinations on the baby's leg on December 25 after she was born on December 24. Shortly thereafter, a swelling resembling an abscess developed at the injection site. 

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Despite the baby's parents making two follow-up visits to the medical college, the issue remained unresolved until they sought consultation at a private hospital, where the needle was finally detected and removed.  

The parents, accusing the staff of Kannur Government Medical College of medical negligence, filed a complaint with the Chief Minister, prompting the police to launch a preliminary investigation into the matter.

As per a Kerala Kaumudi news report, the newborn's mother was admitted to the Kannur Government Medical College on December 22, 2024, and the baby was born on December 24. The next day, two vaccinations were administered to the newborn's feet and hands, and the patient was discharged.

After reaching home, the baby's parents discovered her condition. When they made follow-up visits, the baby's father claimed that the doctors only prescribed medicines to her and no further tests were done to identify the reason for her condition. 

Within a few days, the abscess grew bigger and the child cried uncontrollably due to excruciating pain, and the child was taken to a private hospital in Payyannur where the needle was removed. 

Meanwhile, the Hospital authorities at Kannur Medical College have denied the allegations, stating that vaccinations for newborns are not administered on the front of the thigh, nor are such long needles used for the procedure.

The hospital’s Superintendent, Dr K. Sudeep, has formed a four-member committee led by the Deputy Medical Superintendent to investigate the incident. He assured strict action would be taken if any lapses were found.

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