Doctor of General Hospital admits lapse after tube found stuck in chest, audio out

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The audio of Dr Rajeev Kumar, surgeon of General Hospital, admitting medical negligence after a tube was found stuck in a woman’s chest during surgery, is out. The audio of his conversation with the patient's relative, has now surfaced. Two months ago, Sabir, a relative of the complainant Sumaiya, spoke to the doctor about the matter. The audio says the doctor confessing to the mistake.

The tube got stuck in her chest during a thyroid gland removal surgery. The surgeon told her relative that those who inserted the tube for the medicine are responsible for it.
Sabir clarified that he understood from his conversation that the doctor knew about this earlier and hid it from us. He added that the doctor refused to take responsibility.

The woman was subjected to the surgery on March 22, 2023, as per Dr Rajeev Kumar's suggestion to remove the thyroid gland. After discharged from the hospital, Sumaiya developed severe chest congestion. She later approached a private hospital and as per the doctor’s advice, took an X ray. It revealed the presence of the tube.

She then approached Dr Rajeev Kumar with the X-ray. As per his advice, sought treatment at Sree Chitra Hospital. The CT scan revealed that the tube had become attached to her chest and attempting to remove it could pose a threat to life. Her complaint to the DMO mentioned that when she informed Rajeev Kumar about it, he said that he has nothing to do with it. The DMO informed that the complaint is being examined. Sumaiya said there is no way for further treatment and that would file a complaint with the chief minister and the health minister.