THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : A shocking incident has come to light at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital where a doctor intentionally damaged a newly acquired machine meant for keyhole prostate surgery. The machine valued at 20 lakhs was reported to be sabotaged as part of an alleged scheme to extort purchase commissions.

According to a report by Kerala Kaumudi on Saturday, the hospital had to halt TURP (Trans Urethral Resection of Prostate) surgeries due to the breakdown of the machine. Subsequently, Superintendent Dr A Nisaruddin initiated an investigation and the findings of this inquiry will be presented to the principal today.

This is not the first occurrence within the urology department. There seems to be a pattern of damaging the machine deliberately leading to its replacement and subsequent purchase commissions. Even in the previous January, a similar incident occurred when keyhole surgeries had to be halted due to machine problems. An investigation conducted by a construction company at that time revealed deliberate damage. A new machine was procured in February from a different company facilitated by the Hospital Development Committee. However, this machine also ceased functioning within six months with damage to the camera and monitor as well requiring an estimated repair cost of about Rs 5 lakh. This aspect has also been highlighted in the report submitted by the hospital superintendent.

Following the report by Kerala Kaumudi, the principal of the institution requested an explanation from the head of the urology department. The Director of Medical Education also stepped in triggering an urgent investigation.

It has been noted that a conflict exists among the doctors in the Urology Department of the Medical College Hospital. The patients particularly the economically disadvantaged ones will only find relief if the issues with the machine are addressed promptly. Patients have to wait for two months to undergo the surgery and when the appointed day finally arrives, it becomes disheartening to witness the surgery being postponed due to machine malfunctions. This department carries out six TURP surgeries each day a procedure aimed at eliminating blockages in the urinary tract and addressing inflammations that could potentially lead to cancer.