Forceps taken out from Usha Joseph’s abdomen, evidence handed over to police

KOCHI: The forceps left inside the abdomen of Usha Joseph during the surgery performed at the Vandanam Medical College, has been taken out. The forceps was taken out in the surgery conducted at the Amrita Hospital in Kochi Saturday afternoon. Since a case has been registered in the incident, the surgery was performed in the presence of two government doctors.

Two doctors from Kalamassery Government Medical College were present at the time of the surgery. The forceps taken out from her stomach is presently the evidence in the case registered. So, it has been handed over to Ambalappuzha DySP, who is investigating the case. The hospital authorities said the health condition of Usha is satisfactory.

Usha came to Vandanam Medical College in 2021 for a surgery to remove fibroid. After the surgery, she started having physical issues. Despite undergoing many treatments and tests, the real cause could not be found. Finally, on Wednesday, an X-ray was taken on the advice of a urologist in Alappuzha, and found forceps in her abdomen. On Thursday morning, she went to the medical college hospital and saw a doctor. Her relatives alleged that some doctors told them not to reveal the information. Artery forceps were found in her abdomen.

The health department is taking action in the incident. Dr Shahida, who performed the surgery and nursing officer P S Dhanya have been suspended. Dr Shahida is presently associate professor at SAT, Thiruvananthapuram. It is not clear what action will be taken as Dr Lalithambika, the then head of the gynecology department, has retired. Usha's husband has filed a complaint with the Ambalappuzha circle inspector alleging that the surgery was performed by Dr Lalithambika and a nurse.