THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has cancelled the licence of the private clinic embroiled in the controversy over alleged medical negligence during a fat removal surgery in Thiruvananthapuram. The decision was taken after it was found that the hospital operated against the terms of the licence conditions. There were allegations that the hospital hurriedly obtained the registration after the surgery became controversial.
Meanwhile, the expert committee appointed by the health department to review the medical board that investigated the case submitted its report to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kazhakoottam.
The committee was headed by DMO Dr Bindu Mohan, and comprised Head of the Forensic Department of Government Medical College, Dr Sreedevi, and public prosecutor Geena Kumari.
The members differed on the medical board report. It is likely that the police will refer the case to an apex committee to decide on the allegations.
“The report was prepared following a thorough inquiry into the procedures. The police are continuing its investigation,” said a senior Health Department official. She, however, refused to give details of the report.
A 31-year-old woman from Sreevaraham lost four fingers and five toes as she had to undergo amputation following the complication after the fat-removal surgery held at
‘Cosmetic Hospital’ at Thampuranmukku in February. The family of the victim accused the DMO of trying to whitewash the incident by giving a clean chit to the doctors involved. The family had registered a criminal case against the doctor at Thumba police station. Meanwhile, Indian Medical Association came out in support of the clinic, stating that while such adverse outcomes are rare, they are possible.
“There is no evidence of any fault in the treatment or medical procedures followed at the hospital. The patient’s condition deteriorated due to a rare complication. All necessary treatment was provided as per established protocols.” said a joint statement from IMA Thiruvananthapuram branch president Dr Sreejith R and secretary Dr Swapna S Kumar.
The IMA also urged the government to complete the expert committee’s investigation swiftly and take appropriate action based on the findings.
The report submitted by the medical board lacks clarity. It neither confirms nor rules out medical negligence.
Therefore, a letter will be sent to the DMO requesting the reconstitution of the medical board and the submission of a detailed and conclusive report. We will also take up the matter to the apex body for further action,”added J K Dinil, Kazhakoottam ACP