Kerala family alleges needle left during treatment

A one-year-old girl in Kerala underwent surgery after doctors found a needle lodged near her right ribs, with her parents alleging that it may have been left inside her body during treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital.

The needle was detected during a detailed examination at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital in July 2026 after the child developed severe pain and swelling around her right ribcage. Doctors subsequently removed the object surgically.

The child, the daughter of Anju and Vineesh of Chathamangalam in Kozhikode district, was born at Kottayam Medical College Hospital in June 2025. She was shifted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after developing jaundice.

According to her mother, a swelling was noticed near the child’s right ribs after she was discharged from the NICU. However, doctors reportedly described it as a minor growth that would subside with treatment. The child continued to experience pain and cry frequently.

When the pain became severe in July 2026, the family took her to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, where scans revealed the needle lodged near her ribs. Doctors reportedly told the family that it appeared to have been inside the child’s body for a considerable period.

The parents said the child had not undergone any other surgery or prolonged hospitalisation during the intervening year. They have therefore raised concerns that the needle could have been left behind during her NICU treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital.

The family has filed a complaint with the hospital superintendent and plans to approach State Health Minister K Muraleedharan, seeking action over the alleged medical negligence.

Hospital authorities have initiated an inquiry. A deputy superintendent has been tasked with examining the circumstances, including identifying staff on duty during the relevant period and determining what occurred while the child was receiving treatment.

The hospital said the matter would be investigated seriously and that the facts would be established through a detailed inquiry.

with inputs from PTI