Right hand still a painful memory for nine-year-old Vinodini; only weak charges against doctors who caused amputation

PALAKKAD: Vinodini, a native of Pallassana in Palakkad, has a painful memory of her right hand. She was fitted with prosthetic hands after a 120-day struggle and the intervention of opposition leader VD Satheesan, but this nine-year-old girl is sad that she cannot go to school. Vinodini, who had difficulty moving her hands and fingers after getting prosthetic hands, has more control over them now. Vinodini hopes to be able to go to school like before soon.

The incident occurred on September 24, when Vinodini fell while playing with her brother and fractured her right arm. She was first taken to Chittur Taluk Hospital and later admitted to Palakkad District Hospital on the same day. Due to improper bandaging and treatment, she developed severe compartment syndrome, resulting in infection, swelling, and discolouration. She was later moved to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, where doctors were forced to amputate her right arm.

Two junior doctors at the district hospital were suspended pending investigation after the health department found that Vinodini was not treated as per the protocol. The Palakkad Town South police registered a case against the doctors on the family's complaint. However, the case was filed against them only under trivial sections. The expert team of the health department, which recorded the parents' statements in the incident, has not yet taken any further action. Minister Veena George had informed the assembly and the family over the phone that action would be taken, but nothing has been done.

The family has alleged that the government is taking a stand to protect doctors who have committed medical malpractice. The family received the financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh announced by the state government on December 6.