Medical negligence alleged at Thiruvananthapuram MCH after wooden fragments found in patient's leg

Thiruvananthapuram: A 57-year-old patient has alleged serious medical negligence at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Thiruvananthapuram after wooden fragments were reportedly found inside his stitched leg wound nearly two months after surgery.

The patient, a tree-cutting labourer from Bharathannoor, sustained severe injuries on March 21 after falling from a tree while at work. According to his family, a machete kept behind him reportedly cut his leg during the fall, causing deep wounds and heavy bleeding.

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He was initially rushed to a nearby hospital and later referred to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram for advanced treatment. Doctors at the hospital conducted an X-ray examination and performed surgery on the same day. Following the procedure, the wound was stitched, dressed, and the patient was discharged after treatment. 

However, family members alleged that the patient continued to experience severe pain and swelling in the injured leg after returning home. As the condition worsened and the wound became infected, the family sought treatment at the district hospital in Nedumangad. 

During a subsequent surgery conducted on Monday at the district hospital, doctors reportedly removed two to three wooden fragments from inside the wound. Hospital sources and family members said the pieces measured nearly 5 cm in length and 3 cm in width.

The patient’s son alleged that the wooden fragments had remained inside the wound since the initial surgery at the medical college hospital, terming it a serious case of negligence.

Although the family has not yet filed an official complaint, the patient said they wanted to bring the matter before the public to ensure similar incidents do not happen to other patients in the future.

Meanwhile, the health department has initiated action following the allegations. The intervention came after Health Minister K. Muraleedharan directed officials to conduct an inquiry. A four-member panel headed by the principal of the medical college has been constituted to probe the matter and submit a detailed report within one week, reports TOI.

As per the Onmanorama report, “Statements will be taken from the surgeon who conducted the procedure at the Medical College Hospital and the superintendent of Nedumangad District Hospital. Action will be taken after the report is received,” the minister said.

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