A police case has been initiated in response to a complaint alleging that a needle was found lodged in the body of a one-and-a-quarter-year-old girl who previously received treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital. The complaint was filed by the child’s mother, Anju Vineesh, asserting medical negligence. The registration of the case falls under Section 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

In conjunction with the police investigation, additional inquiries are being conducted by the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Women and Child Development Department. The hospital has also carried out an internal investigation, which reportedly found no lapses in the medical treatment provided.

Details of the Child’s Medical Condition

The child, identified as Advika, was born to T T Vineesh and Anju on June 24, 2025, at Kottayam Medical College Hospital. Shortly after her birth, she was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit on the second day due to fever and symptoms indicative of jaundice. The parents allege that the needle was inadvertently left inside Advika’s body during her treatment at the hospital.

The family reported that the needle was detected near the child’s right ribs during an examination conducted at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital in July 2026. Following this discovery, the needle was surgically removed from her body. The family had approached the authorities, claiming that the needle measured approximately one inch and had entered the child during her treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital.

According to the internal inquiry conducted by Kottayam Medical College Hospital, a team of doctors reviewed the case and submitted their findings to the hospital superintendent last week. The team determined that there was no lapse in treatment, and it was deemed unlikely that the needle had entered Advika’s body while she was under the hospital’s care.

Hospital Inquiry Findings and Ongoing Investigations

The inquiry report stated that Advika underwent an ultrasound scan during her stay at Kottayam Medical College Hospital, and no needle was detected at that time. Additionally, the inquiry team noted that the parents had not provided the discharge card from Kozhikode Medical College, which could support their claims. The committee conducting the inquiry included Deputy Superintendent Dr Frederick Paul, Head of the Gynaecology Department Dr R Beena Kumari, and Head of the General Surgery Department Dr Binny John.

The case remains under police investigation, alongside the ongoing inquiries by both the child rights body and the Women and Child Development Department. The outcome of these inquiries is awaited as they may shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As the investigation continues, all parties involved are monitoring the situation closely. The allegations have raised significant concerns regarding medical practices and patient safety within healthcare institutions. Moving forward, all responses and procedures are expected to be conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards to ensure transparency and justice in the case.

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