Botched Cosmetic Surgery: Thiruvananthapuram private clinic's license cancelled

Thiruvananthapuram: Amid the controversy over a botched fat removal surgery at a private cosmetic clinic in Thampuranmukku, where a 31-year-old woman allegedly lost four fingers and toes due to a severe infection, the Kerala Health Department has 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.

This information came to light in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by the woman's husband. The reply, issued by the Junior Superintendent at the DMO office, confirmed that the clinic was granted registration within just one month of filing an application.

Also read- Botched Cosmetic Surgery: Patient left without ventilator for 12 hours at private clinic

According to the RTI reply, the clinic received its registration online after an inspection was carried out by a team of officials on April 29 and 30. The team submitted a favourable report on May 5, and all remaining formalities were completed the same day, following which the registration certificate was issued online immediately.

The RTI response also notes that an active complaint does not legally obstruct the registration process. However, if the complaint is found to be valid, the District Registration Authority has the power to revoke the registration, Onmanorama reports. 

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, as per TNIE report. 

The Thiruvananthapuram branch of the Indian Medical Association, on the other hand, denied any wrongdoing by the clinic in connection with the incident. "What happened to the patient in the fat removal surgery incident should be considered a rare medical complication. There is no initial evidence of medical negligence," the IMA said. 

In their support, the association said, “There is no evidence of any fault in the treatment or medical procedures followed at the hospital. The patient’s condition deteriorated due to a rare complication. All necessary treatment was provided as per established protocols.”

"Neethu was transferred to a better-equipped hospital due to her severe condition. Despite this, campaigns against the clinic could lead to cessation of surgeries and other treatments at small hospitals offering affordable care," IMA said.

Dr Swapna S Kumar, district secretary of IMA, told TOI, "The high court has ruled that no punitive actions should be taken even if institutions haven't obtained registration under the Clinical Establishment Act, as a case regarding licence registration is ongoing. It should be understood that such registration is merely technical and not a standard of excellence. Government should urgently intervene in this matter and ensure that the expert committee's investigation is completed swiftly and action is taken."

Also read- Kerala: Woman's fingers, toes amputated after botched surgery at private clinic