Probe ordered after woman alleges cotton wad left inside after delivery at Thrissur hospital
Medical Negligence
Thrissur: In a shocking incident, a 21-year-old woman has accused healthcare personnel at Chavakkad Taluk Hospital in Thrissur district of leaving a cotton wad inside her vaginal canal during post-delivery procedures, allegedly causing prolonged pain and discomfort. The allegations have prompted health authorities to order a preliminary inquiry into the incident.
The woman, a resident of Kadappuram near Chavakkad, alleged that she continued to experience pain after delivery but was told by the attending doctor that her symptoms were due to an infection. She claimed that antibiotics were prescribed despite her repeated complaints, without further investigation into the cause of her discomfort.
Speaking to TOI, the woman said a scan at a private clinic detected the cotton wad, which was removed at another private healthcare facility. She also alleged that the doctor offered compensation to settle the matter. She said she has medical records, including the scan report, to substantiate her allegations.
However, the attending doctor has denied the allegations, claiming that the woman made the accusations because he refused to pay her money.
The doctor maintained that all prescribed medical protocols were followed during the delivery. According to him, cotton was placed around the periphery to monitor bleeding and was removed within half an hour. He also claimed that the relevant timings had been recorded in the hospital records.
Meanwhile, the hospital administration has initiated steps to examine the complaint. Taluk Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Shajkumar forwarded the complaint to District Medical Officer Sujatha M.
The District Medical Officer said a team of gynaecologists would conduct a preliminary inquiry into the allegations and examine the available medical records.
Chavakkad Police has also recorded statements from the woman and her husband as part of the investigation.
Meanwhile, municipal chairperson A H Akbar has sought a report from health officials regarding the incident. He said strict action would be taken if the inquiry established that any medical personnel had committed negligence or other lapses.
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