Forceps in abdomen medical error: Medical board yet to take final decision

ALAPPUZHA: The medical board is delaying its decision in the incident of doctors leaving behind scissors (artery forceps) in the abdomen of a woman, Usha Joseph, who underwent surgery at Alappuzha Medical College.

The six-member medical board met last week but parted ways with the conclusion that a decision can be made after assessing the errors.

The records from the medical library were examined. The board also evaluated the evidence taken into custody by the police. The team, which examined the scan reports and X-rays, parted ways to reach a final decision after a detailed study.

The board, headed by the District Medical Officer, consists of the heads of the departments and surgery departments of other medical colleges where Usha Joseph sought treatment, a forensic expert and the District Govt. Pleader.

The police team led by the Ambalapuzha DySP, who is in charge of the investigation, is hindering further action due to the election duty. The police, after recording her statement while she was undergoing treatment in Kochi, have not contacted Usha or her family after the surgery.

Usha Joseph, who underwent surgery to remove the scissor at a private hospital in Kochi, has returned to normal life after getting stitches on the 17th.

She has not received any help from the government or the health department for the physical hardships she endured for more than five years, and the financial hardship caused by the treatment expenses. The entire cost of the treatment in Kochi was borne by MP K.C. Venugopal. Usha Joseph's son, Shibin, said that he expects the government to intervene and provide financial assistance along with an investigation into the medical error.