Kottayam: A Sacred Heart nun, who is a gynecologist, was on July 2 arrested for medical negligence.
Sister Jessy M Antony was accused of leaving a surgical mop in a woman’s abdominal after surgery causing health problems for the woman.
The nun, who is the Chief Medical Officer and governing board member of the SH Medical Centre in Kottayam, Kerala, was released on bail later.
However, police have registered a case against the nun for medical negligence under the Indian Penal Code Section 336 (endangering life or personal safety through negligence) and section 338 (causing grievous hurt through negligence).
A team of medical experts led by Kottayam District Medical Officer had probed the case. The police arrested the nun based on the team’s report.
Preethi, wife of Georgy Thomas from Thottakkad underwent a caesarean surgery in the hospital. After the surgery the woman developed medical complications. However, the woman was discharged after four days without conducting medical examinations to find the cause of her problem.
Preethi’s health condition worsened on reaching home and she was brought to the hospital again. However, Sr Antony sent her back prescribing her some medicines. As her condition deteriorated the woman was rushed to Medical College Hospital after 10 days. A medical examination showed a surgical mop inside her abdominal cavity. Doctors there removed the mop. Meanwhile the Preethi had developed internal infection.
Her husband complained to the district police chief, who directed a medical expert panel to probe the case.