Nurse severs newborn's thumb in Tamil Nadu, was using phone during procedure

A newborn baby's right thumb was accidentally severed at the Vellore Government Medical College Hospital, allegedly due to the careless handling of a senior nurse.

The incident took place on May 24, when the baby boy was born to Vimalraj (30) and Nivetha (24) from Mullipalayam in Tamil Nadu. While attempting to remove tape from the infant's hand to change a glucose needle, a senior nurse reportedly mishandled a pair of scissors. According to the child's father, the nurse was using her mobile phone during the procedure and was not paying full attention, which led to the accidental amputation.

"I wasn't even allowed to see him for over an hour and a half after the incident," said a distraught Vimalraj. "This was sheer negligence."

Following the injury, hospital authorities transferred the baby to Stanley Government Hospital in Chennai for emergency surgery. The nurse involved, who has over 15 years of experience, has come under severe criticism.

Vellore District Collector Subbulaxmi has ordered an enquiry into the matter and promised strict action. "If it is proven that the nurse was on the phone at the time, the maximum possible punishment will be given," she said. She also noted that the procedure did not require scissors and could have been performed using bare hands.

The newborn continues to receive treatment at Chennai's Stanley Hospital. An internal investigation is currently underway.