Thiruvananthapuram, February 21: Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George accused opposition leader V. D. Satheesan of inciting protests related to an alleged surgical negligence case at the Alappuzha Government Medical College Hospital. She stated that the government has already taken all necessary actions regarding the matter.
Referring to a Youth Congress protest outside her official residence, the minister expressed confusion over the reasons for the demonstration. She emphasized that all required measures had been implemented and deemed the behavior exhibited during the protest unacceptable.
The protests stemmed from a 2021 incident where a surgical instrument was reportedly left inside a patient’s abdomen during a procedure at the medical college hospital. Youth Congress activists marched to the minister’s residence, carrying garlands, and allegedly crossed police barricades to place the garland at her entrance around 8 AM. The police later removed the garland.
This incident also highlighted security lapses, as only three police officers were stationed at the minister’s residence at the time. Additional police forces arrived approximately fifteen minutes after the protests began.
A minor scuffle occurred when police attempted to detain the protesters and disperse the crowd. Some activists tried to free those being taken into custody, but ultimately, the police managed to clear all demonstrators from the area.
The Ambalappuzha police have registered a case under Sections 125 and 125(A) of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to endangering human life and personal safety. Based on a complaint from a relative of the patient, Usha Joseph, Dr. Lalithambika, the head of the department, has been named the sole accused in this case. However, more names may be added as the investigation progresses.
A committee of experts from Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam Medical Colleges is currently investigating the matter and is expected to submit its report to the Director of Medical Education soon. Following initial findings indicating negligence during the procedure, surgeon Dr. Shahida and nursing officer Dhanya have been suspended. Further actions will be determined based on the final report from the expert committee.
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