From victim to employee: Medical negligence survivor Harsheena joins Kozhikode Medical College

KOZHIKODE: KK Harsheena, who endured five years of severe hardship after surgical scissors were inadvertently left inside her abdomen during a delivery procedure, officially entered government service on Tuesday. In a poignant turn of events, Harsheena assumed duty as an Office Assistant at the Kozhikode Medical College—the very institution where the medical negligence took place.

Accompanied by family members and welfare action council activists, Harsheena arrived at the hospital around 10:30 AM. After meeting with Medical College Principal Dr. K.G. Sajeeth Kumar, she formally reported for duty before Dr. Arun Preeth, the Superintendent of the Maternal and Child Care Centre. She has been posted to the Gynaecology Department under the Hospital Development Committee (HDS).

The prolonged ordeal began in 2017 during Harsheena’s third cesarean section at the Kozhikode Medical College, during which surgical forceps were accidentally left inside her body. The oversight went unnoticed for five years, causing her severe physical trauma and emotional distress until the object was finally discovered and removed.

Speaking to the media after taking charge, an emotional Harsheena described the employment appointment as an "Eid gift" and expressed profound gratitude to those who supported her long fight for justice.

"Life has been an uphill struggle trying to support my three children through years of debilitating pain," Harsheena said. "While it was deeply painful when promises of support from past administrations fell through, receiving employment security at this institution restores my faith. Knowing that the community and the government are standing by me gives me immense hope."

Harsheena extended special thanks to Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, the current Health Minister, action council leader Dinesh Perumanna, and the media fraternity—singling out Kerala Kaumudi for championing her cause from the outset.

Terming her appointment a victory for public accountability, Harsheena noted that her journey serves as a beacon of hope for thousands of ordinary citizens fighting against systemic injustice.