Botched cosmetic surgery: Family seeks justice, questions medical board report

Thiruvananthapuram: Expressing concern over the medical board’s report regarding the woman who continues to be in critical condition after a botched fat removal surgery, the patient's family alleged that the report is unclear and gave a clean chit to the private clinic. They announced plans to approach the court if health department authorities fail to take appropriate action.

The family has also filed a complaint against the medical board for their alleged lack of clarity and protection of the guilty authorities of the private cosmetic clinic, they demanded strict action against the hospital owner. Not only the victim's family but the police also expressed their displeasure with the medical board report. 

It is to be noted that the clinic was being operated without a valid license at the time of the surgery. When the patient's botched surgery became controversial, the clinic authorities immediately obtained the registration. 

Also read- Botched Cosmetic Surgery: Thiruvananthapuram private clinic's license cancelled

Medical Dialogues recently reported that the Kerala Health Department cancelled the clinic’s licence. This comes after the department discovered that the clinic was operating in violation of licence conditions. It was reported that the clinic rushed to obtain its registration within just a month of applying, even though the standard process typically takes around two months for medical establishments.

Speaking to TNIE, the patient's husband said, "We are disappointed with the medical board report. Since the beginning, we have been demanding action against the hospital owner, who is also a doctor. The clinics were run without a licence. Despite prima facie evidence, the health department has not bothered to conduct an inquiry."

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that an expert committee of doctors appointed by the state health department confirmed that the clinic failed to follow standard medical procedures during the surgery. The committee was headed by DMO Dr Bindu Mohan and comprised Head of the Forensic Department of Government Medical College, Dr Sreedevi, and public prosecutor Geena Kumari.

On February 22, M.S. Neethu, a resident of Sreevaraham in Muttathara, underwent a fat removal procedure on her lower abdomen at the ‘Cosmetic Hospital’ in Arasummoodu, Kazhakoottam. She was discharged the next day, but according to a complaint filed by her husband, Padmajith, she soon developed severe fatigue and other alarming symptoms.

Despite informing the attending doctor, she was reportedly only advised to consume salted porridge and water. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and on February 24, she was rushed back to the clinic. Staff at the clinic arranged for her transfer to another private hospital, citing complications including dangerously low blood pressure. There, she reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest following the procedure, which was conducted in February. She has been on ventilator support ever since.

The committee stated that despite the patient having dangerously low blood pressure, she was kept for 12 hours without a ventilator at the facility. Additionally, the patient had a history of heart issues, the surgery was performed without the presence of a cardiologist. The committee also found that the cosmetic clinic, which performed complex surgeries, did not have ambulance facilities and was operating despite not being registered as a medical establishment.

However, the police will likely refer the case to an apex committee to decide on the allegations.

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