Medical negligence: doctor arrested

KOTTAYAM, JULY 2016:

The police have arrested Sr. Jessy M. Antony, gynecologist at the SH Medical Centre, in Kottayam town for medical negligence under IPC Section 336 (endangering life or personal safety through negligence) and IPC 338 (causing grievous hurt through negligence).

The case pertains to an incident when Dr. Jessy was found, by a Medical Commission led by District Medical Officer Jacob Varghese, responsible for leaving the surgical mop inside the body of a woman on whom she had conducted C-section.

It was on July 20, 2015, that Preethy, wife of George Thomas, Nellickakkuzhy House, Thottackad, was subjected to C-section by Dr. Jessy.

Though the woman had complained of discomfort, she was discharged after four days. Though she returned to the hospital later, still complaining of aggravating discomfort, the doctor failed to diagnose the issue.

After 10 days, the victim was admitted to Kottayam Government Medical College hospital, where the doctors found that surgical mop was left inside the body.

Following this, the victim's husband lodged a complaint with the District Police Chief. The medical commission, which inquired into the issue, found Dr. Jessy guilty of negligence.

It was on the basis of this report that Dy.SP Biju K. Stephen arrested the doctor. She has been granted bail. The Hindu