In a shocking turn of events at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala, a four-year-old girl underwent a mistaken surgery on her tongue instead of the intended operation to remove a sixth finger from her hand. This incident has sparked outrage and led to the immediate suspension of Associate Professor Dr Bejohn Johnson pending a thorough investigation.
The mistake came to light when the family discovered cotton stuffed in the child’s mouth post-surgery, prompting them to inquire further. Upon closer examination, they realized that the surgery had been performed on her tongue, completely unrelated to the planned procedure on her hand.
The swift action by the state government, including the suspension of the doctor and the initiation of a detailed inquiry, reflects the seriousness of the situation. Health Minister Veena George’s directives to ensure proper protocol adherence in hospitals underscore the need for accountability and patient safety.
The family’s decision to file a complaint with the police highlights their demand for justice and accountability. They emphasize that such medical errors should not happen again, especially in a renowned institution like the Medical College Hospital.
The hospital’s explanation citing scheduling issues for two children on the same date raises concerns about procedural oversight and patient safety protocols. While the doctor has apologized for the error, questions remain about the adequacy of measures to prevent such incidents.
Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan’s remarks about the incident being a serious medical malpractice and raising doubts about the credibility of government hospitals reflect wider concerns about healthcare standards and accountability.
This occurrence serves as a clear reminder of how crucial strict procedures, careful pre-operative evaluation, and ongoing observation are to preventing medical errors and guaranteeing patient safety in healthcare facilities.
SOURCE:
THE PRINT
