Protocol not followed; No lapse from doctor’s side in finding forceps from woman’s abdomen, says report

ALAPPUZHA: More information emerged from the report submitted by the investigation committee appointed by the health department in the incident of finding forceps in the patient's abdomen during a surgery at Vandanam Medical College. The investigation committee has found that there was no lapse from the side of the doctor. The committee found that the surgeon's note at the time of the surgery was correct and only the scrub nurse was present during the surgery. The investigation committee has confirmed that the doctor had asked the scrub nurse if all the equipment was there and only after she replied that everything was there, it was stitched.

However, the scrub nurse said that she had to attend another surgery along with Usha’s surgery. The investigation committee has submitted its report citing non-compliance with the protocol and shortage of staff. The investigation report will be handed over to Health Minister Veena George today.

Meantime, the police have decided to arraign Dr J Shahida for medical negligence in Vandanam. Usha Joseph of Punnapra came to the hospital five years ago to remove the fibroid from her uterus. The surgery was performed by Dr Shahida. The police had collected Usha Joseph's medical records as part of the investigation. It has been found that there were nine people in the team that performed the surgery. Their statements will be recorded.

It is heard that the police will request the DMO to form a medical board for the investigation. The seven-centimeter-long forceps removed during the surgery yesterday will be sent for scientific examination. It is crucial to determine the age of the scissors. The health condition of Usha is presently satisfactory. Usha Joseph is under observation in the ICU of Amrita Hospital in Kochi.