Liposuction surgery error: Report says no lapse by clinic; police to end investigation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the state-level ethics committee submitting its report defending the private clinic in the case where a young woman had to have nine fingers amputated following a liposuction surgery, Thumba police have decided to end their investigation.

According to the ethics committee report, the documents show that the doctors at the Cosmetiq clinic in Kulathoor, Kazhakkoottam, had given proper treatment to the woman. Even though the police sought clarification regarding this, the committee stood by its conclusion. The committee was chaired by Health Department Director Dr KJ Reena, and included the DME, the Additional Director General of Prosecution, and a plastic surgery expert.

Earlier, the district-level ethics committee had also submitted a report in favour of the private clinic. However, the DMO’s report pointed out that there was a lapse on the clinic’s part. The medical board’s report made no mention of this issue.

Neethu, a software engineer and mother of twins, underwent surgery on February 22 to remove fat from her abdomen. The procedure cost three lakh rupees. She later developed an infection and was on ventilator support for 21 days. After being discharged, she is now resting at home.

Family approaches High Court for justice Neethu’s family has questioned why the clinic delayed shifting her to another hospital even after noticing heavy bleeding. They have now filed a case and plan to continue their fight for justice in the High Court.