Doctor booked for alleged medical negligence during thyroid surgery

The Cantonment police have booked a case against a surgeon at General Hospital here following a complaint that a guidewire had been left inside a woman on whom he had performed thyroid surgery two years ago.

Following the woman’s complaint, the police have filed a case under Sections 336 and 338 of Indian Penal Code against surgeon Rajeevkumar for “rash and negligent action endangering human life and causing grievous hurt.”

The woman underwent thyroid surgery in March 2023. The guidewire, which had been used to put a central line in her for drawing blood and administering drugs intravenously, was noticed in April 2025 during an X-ray taken at the Regional Cancer Centre here, where she has been doing follow-up treatment.

After her surgery, she had recurrent respiratory distress issues, according to sources. Though the guidewire was discovered in April this year, the patient put up a formal complaint only on Friday (August 29, 2025).

Committee formed

Though the Director of Health Services has issued an explanation that an expert committee had been constituted in April itself to examine the case and suggest necessary follow-up measures, the committee is still in the process of examining medical records.

On Friday, the patient and her family protested at the Directorate of Health Services, following which the authorities assured her of a proper inquiry and action against those responsible for any medical negligence. The government will also take care of the necessary follow-up treatment that the patient requires, it was said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Veena George said that stringent action would be taken against those responsible for the negligence.