‘Not a regular occurrence’: CPI(M) defends Kerala health system over surgical lapses

Amid mounting outrage over alleged medical negligence in a government hospital, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has termed recent surgical lapses in Kerala as “isolated incidents” and cautioned against politicising the issue.

State secretary M.V. Govindan on Sunday said that while incidents like an artery forceps being left inside a patient’s abdomen were serious and unacceptable, they should not be projected as routine occurrences in the state’s health system. “There are lakhs of surgeries taking place. One or two incidents may have happened, but they are not regular,” he said.

His remarks came in response to the case of Usha Joseph (51) of Punnapra, in whose abdomen an artery forceps was allegedly found years after she underwent surgery to remove a uterine fibroid at Alappuzha Medical College in May 2021. The instrument was later removed during a subsequent procedure at a private hospital in Kochi.

Govindan accused sections of the media and the Opposition of amplifying select incidents to target the state government. He maintained that the government had acted promptly, suspending officials where required and initiating inquiries. “The health sector is extremely sensitive and handled with utmost care. Such incidents should not happen, and steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence,” he said.

The political temperature rose further after Youth Congress workers staged a protest outside the residence of Health Minister Veena George in Thiruvananthapuram, even placing a wreath as a mark of protest. Govindan condemned the act and warned that continued provocation could trigger a “major clash,” alleging that the UDF was attempting to disturb the prevailing peace in the state.

Meanwhile, Ambalapuzha police have taken custody of the artery forceps as part of their investigation. Officials confirmed that a preliminary inquiry report from the Department of Medical Education has been received, and doctors and nurses involved in the original surgery are likely to be questioned soon.

As the probe progresses, what began as a case of alleged negligence has now turned into a political flashpoint , putting Kerala’s public health system under intense scrutiny.