Surgical error at Vandanam Medical College: Doctor J. Shahida and nurse suspended

ALAPPUZHA: The Health Department has taken action in connection with a surgical error at the Government Medical College, Vandanam. The doctor who performed the surgery, Dr J. Shahida, and nurse P. S. Dhanya have been suspended pending investigation. The action was taken based on the preliminary inquiry report submitted by the Medical College Principal. Health Minister Veena George had earlier stated that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the surgical mistake. An expert committee has been appointed to investigate the incident. The inquiry team includes the Professor of Gynecology, the Head of the Forensic Department, and a Professor from the Surgery Department of the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.

A pair of scissors was found inside the abdomen of 59-year-old Usha Joseph, who had undergone surgery at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital five years ago. She has now been shifted to Amrita Hospital in Ernakulam for expert treatment. The date of the corrective surgery will be decided after detailed medical examinations.

Usha had undergone surgery on May 10, 2021, to remove a uterine growth. After returning home, she experienced severe pain and continuous bleeding. Although she received treatment from several doctors, her condition did not improve. She continued taking injections and medicines for years. When she later sought treatment at the Medical College Hospital, she was told that it was a urinary stone and was sent back. Recently, when she consulted a urology doctor, tests, including an X-ray, were advised. It was during the X-ray examination that the scissors inside her abdomen were discovered. She was then advised to seek treatment again at the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital.