Needle Found in Baby’s Thigh Raises Concerns of Medical Negligence
The Incident That Shocked Kannur
A shocking case of alleged medical negligence has surfaced at Kannur Government Medical College, where a 3.7 cm-long needle was found in the thigh of a 25-day-old baby girl. The needle was reportedly left behind following a vaccination. The newborn endured severe pain for 24 days until doctors at a private hospital in Payyannur surgically removed the needle on January 18, 2025.
Swelling and Pain Ignored During Follow-Ups
The issue began when the baby developed swelling and pus formation shortly after receiving two vaccinations on December 25, a day after her birth. Her parents noticed the swelling at the injection site and made two follow-up visits to the medical college. However, the problem persisted as doctors only prescribed medication without conducting further tests.
Private Hospital Detects the Needle
As the abscess worsened and the baby cried in pain, her parents took her to a private hospital in Payyannur. There, doctors discovered the needle lodged in her thigh and promptly removed it.
Parents File Complaint with Chief Minister
Outraged by the incident, the baby’s parents filed a complaint with the Chief Minister, accusing the medical staff of negligence. This prompted the police to initiate a preliminary investigation into the matter.
Hospital Denies Allegations
Kannur Government Medical College has denied the allegations, stating that vaccinations for newborns are not administered on the front of the thigh, and needles of such length are not used.
Investigation Underway
To address the accusations, the hospital’s Superintendent, Dr. K. Sudeep, has formed a four-member committee led by the Deputy Medical Superintendent. He assured strict action would follow if any lapses were identified.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in healthcare and the need for thorough investigations to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
