Needle stuck in body of one-year-old girl; Allegations of medical negligence against Kottayam MCH

KOTTAYAM: A serious complaint of medical negligence has been levelled against Kottayam Medical College Hospital. The complaint was filed against the hospital after a needle was found stuck in the body of a one-year-old girl. The family alleged in the complaint that the baby had been suffering from severe pain for nearly a year and that the needle was eventually removed via surgery at Kozhikode Medical College.

The baby was born on June 24, 2025 at Kottayam Medical College. According to her parents, she was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to certain health complications. The family alleged that the medical negligence occurred at this time. When the baby was brought back from the ICU, the parents noticed a small lump near the ribs on the right side of her body. They said they had informed the doctors about it, but the concern was dismissed, with the doctors reassuring them that it would disappear as the baby grew up.

The parents said the baby had been crying in pain for the past year, but they did not initially take it seriously, assuming it was normal discomfort experienced by infants. A few days ago, when another swelling was noticed and experienced pain near the ribs, the family sought treatment at Kozhikode Medical College. A detailed examination there reportedly revealed the presence of a needle, which was subsequently removed through surgery.

The family insisted that the needle must have been left behind at Kottayam Medical College, as the baby had undergone no other surgeries or hospital admissions during the past year. Following the parents' complaint, the medical college authorities have launched an investigation. The inquiry is presently focusing on the staff who were on duty in the ICU when the baby was admitted there a year ago.