Surgical Blade Found in Pilgrim's Leg at Pamba Hospital
A Sabarimala pilgrim from Nedumbassery has filed a serious complaint with the Pathanamthitta District Medical Officer. She alleges that medical staff at the government hospital in Pamba left a surgical blade inside her bandaged leg wound.
Pilgrim's Distressing Experience
Preetha, the affected pilgrim, arrived at Pamba while accompanying the sacred Thiruvabharanam procession from Pandalam. She visited the Pamba hospital seeking treatment for a wound on her leg. After consulting with a doctor, hospital staff took her to the nursing room for wound dressing.
During the procedure, Preetha immediately sensed something was wrong. She noticed the person attending to her seemed inexperienced as he cut her skin. When she questioned whether a qualified nurse was available, the attendant revealed he was only a nursing assistant.
Discovery of Surgical Blade
The hospital staff advised Preetha to keep the bandage on her wound. They told her to visit another hospital if she experienced further problems. However, the pain in her leg soon became unbearable.
When Preetha removed the bandage to investigate the source of her discomfort, she made a shocking discovery. A surgical blade remained embedded inside her wound, completely overlooked by the hospital staff during the dressing procedure.
Formal Complaint Filed
Following this alarming discovery, Preetha took immediate action. She filed a formal complaint with the Pathanamthitta District Medical Officer. Her complaint specifically highlights the negligence demonstrated by staff at the Pamba government hospital.
This incident raises serious concerns about patient safety protocols at medical facilities serving Sabarimala pilgrims. Many devotees rely on these hospitals during their pilgrimage, expecting proper medical care.
The complaint now awaits investigation by health authorities. Medical professionals emphasize that leaving surgical instruments inside patients represents a grave medical error with potentially severe consequences.
