The claim that a non-absorbable suture used during surgery was left inside the body is false, and its use is actually part of standard surgical protocol, clarified KGMOA. Such reports, propagated by some media outlets without understanding the actual facts, not only create unnecessary fear about government hospitals but also demoralize and demean the doctors who work tirelessly day and night, KGMOA added.
Kochi: Allegations that a non-absorbable suture was mistakenly left inside a young woman’s abdomen during surgery at Ernakulam General Hospital are false and misleading, stated the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA).District President Dr. T. Sudhakar and Secretary Dr. Karthik Balachandran, in a press release, condemned irresponsible reporting by some media outlets that failed to verify facts before publishing.
They clarified that, as per international surgical protocols, non-absorbable sutures like Prolene are routinely used to strengthen abdominal fascia and prevent complications like hernias. This is a standard procedure and not an error or oversight, they asserted. Although rare, some patients may develop reactions to such sutures, which are then identified and managed medically by the surgical team. This, they emphasized, does not constitute medical negligence.
They warned that such false narratives create public mistrust in government hospitals and undermine the morale of dedicated doctors already working under staff shortages. KGMOA strongly urged the government to take strict action against such baseless campaigns. They also requested that media personnel consult doctors for clarification before publishing sensitive health-related news. They highlighted that this is the seventh such false propaganda against public health institutions in recent days, and the public must recognize the damage caused by misinformation.
