PARIYARAM (KANNUR): The Pariyaram police have registered a case against the doctor and nursing staff of the Kannur Govt Medical College after a needle used to administer preventive vaccine was found in the body of a 25-day-old baby girl. Father TV Sreeju, a native of Peringome, approached the police against the doctor and nursing staff who administered vaccine to his child. A complaint was also lodged with the Chief Minister alleging medical malpractice.

The baby was taken to a private hospital in Payyannur after finding pus on the baby's thigh. A 3.7 cm long needle was taken out during the examination. The child was born on December 24 at Kannur Medical College and discharged on December 25 after receiving two vaccines. However, an abscess formed and festered on the injected thigh. The baby was taken to the medical college for examination, but the doctor only gave her medicines. Within a few days, the abscess grew bigger and the child cried uncontrollably due to excruciating pain, and the child was taken to a private hospital in Payyannur. The needle came out when the pus was being removed at the casualty here. The baby was taken from the mother's hand and was vaccinated on December 25. The nursing staff said that the vaccine was administered on the hand and foot.

At the same time, the medical college explains that the vaccination is not done in the front of the thigh of newborn babies. Officials also explain that such a long needle is not used for vaccination. A four-member committee comprising the Deputy Medical Superintendent has started an inquiry into the incident. Hospital Superintendent Dr K Sudeep informed that strict action will be taken if there is any lapse.

BJP came to protest the incident of leaving a needle in the thigh of a newborn. Kannur district president N Haridas was stopped by the security personnel at the medical college which led to protests. An altercation took place with the BJP leaders who were with Haridas and security personnel. Finally, a complaint was made to the vice principal. N Haridas demanded action against the culprits.