THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Health Minister, Veena George, visited Vidya (27), a native of Kalangoor in Pathanamthitta, whose palm was hacked by her husband. The victim is recuperating at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College after surgery. The Minister consoled Vidya who narrated her ordeal with tears in her eyes. Veena George asked Vidya to remain courageous as that will help her to get well soon.

The Health Minister also spoke to the doctors and other medical staff of the hospital. Vidya was admitted to the hospital with her left palm severed and with many broken fingers on her right hand. The Medical College had made arrangements for the operation on the orders of Veena George.

The operation had begun at 12 am, half an hour after Vidya was brought to the hospital, and took about 8 hours to complete. The doctors said that the overall health of the patient is getting better. She is feeling sensations on her operated palm and is able to move it slowly, which is a positive sign. Vidya also called her child on video call.

She will be under observation for 48 hours, said the doctors.

The Minister also met with Vidya’s parents. The medical condition of her father, who is also undergoing treatment after the attack, is satisfactory. Tears welled up in the eyes of her parents while they spoke about Vidya. The Minister too felt the pain of the helpless parents and assured them of legal help from the Woman and Child Development Department.

Vidya’s parents also thanked the Minister for her timely intervention to conduct the operation. Veena George asked the hospital superintended to make Vidya’s medical treatment completely free of cost. The Medical College doctors completed the operation free of cost while a private hospital had demanded Rs.10 lakhs for the same procedure.

The Health Minister also congratulated all the members of the medical team who did the operation and the post-operation care.