Medical Negligence Sparks Controversy in Kerala

The opposition in Kerala is voicing strong disapproval following a medical negligence incident involving a surgical instrument being discovered in a woman's abdomen five years post-surgery. The surgery took place at Alappuzha Medical College, raising concerns about the management of government hospitals in the state.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala criticized the government, stating that the failure of the health system is depriving citizens of confidence in public hospitals. He urged the state to cover the medical expenses of the victim, Punnapra native Usha Joseph, and accused officials of covering up incidents instead of addressing them.

Congress MP K C Venugopal highlighted the frequency of such negligence cases in government facilities, urging immediate government action. Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, responded by announcing an investigation and suspending the officials involved. Joseph is now in Kochi for surgery to remove the instrument.