THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following a botched liposuction procedure, a 31-year-old woman lost nine fingers and is currently on a ventilator in a private hospital. The fingers were amputated on Monday, and in addition, a large wound in her abdomen was closed using a skin graft from her leg. The victim, M.S. Neethu, a software engineer from Sreevaraham, Thiruvananthapuram, underwent the surgery at 'Cosmetiq,' a private cosmetic hospital in Kulathoor, Kazhakoottam.

The complication arose when fat entered her bloodstream during the procedure, resulting in fat embolism, which went undetected in time. Neethu’s husband, Padmajith, filed a complaint with Kazhakoottam ACP J.K. Dhinil, following which the Thumba Police registered a case. Subsequently, the hospital was shut down. However, the hospital’s owner, Dr. Bibilash Babu, has not yet been taken into custody. So far, Rs 30 lakh has been spent in an effort to save Neethu’s life.

Reports say Dr. Bibilash Babu agreed to cover further medical expenses during a settlement discussion. The Director of Health Services has instructed the vigilance wing to form an expert committee and conduct an investigation. The District Medical Officer (DMO) will also submit a report. Preliminary findings suggest the hospital was operating without adhering to required standards. Allegations also state that Neethu’s discharge summary listed the address of a now-defunct clinic in Pettah.

22 days on ventilator
Neethu, an employee of UST Global, was admitted to the clinic near her office on February 22 for the surgery. She was discharged by 9 a.m. on February 23. However, by noon, she began experiencing discomfort and vomiting. When her blood pressure dropped and her condition worsened, her husband contacted the clinic, only to be told there were no doctors available on Sunday and to come in on Monday instead. By Monday morning, her condition had become critical, and she was shifted to Ananthapuri Hospital, where she remained on a ventilator for 22 days.

Once her condition slightly improved, doctors were forced to amputate five fingers on her left foot and four fingers on her right hand due to a lack of blood circulation. Neethu had been preparing to move to an American company when the incident occurred.

“The hospital acted with zero responsibility. Neethu’s career and life have been shattered. We don’t know how much more money we’ll have to spend.”
— Padmajith, Neethu’s husband