THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — A pair of forceps left inside Usha Joseph’s abdomen for five years after fibroid removal surgery at Alappuzha TD Medical College Hospital exposed deep flaws in Kerala’s public health system, according to the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA).

The association issued a statement on February 20 pinpointing failure to follow mandatory surgical standards, including the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist. Bystanders routinely move patients within hospitals because of staff shortages, KGMCTA said. That practice creates hazards throughout procedures.

Usha Joseph, from Punnapra, underwent the surgery in May 2021. An X-ray last week revealed the forceps. KGMCTA called the case deeply distressing and extended sympathies to Joseph and her family.

Thousands of surgeries succeed annually in government medical colleges, the group noted. Still, even one slip undermines trust. Surgeons and theatre staff face crushing workloads without enough nurses, technicians or support, the release stated. Such shortages block full compliance with safety rules.

KGMCTA submitted a full surgical safety protocol to Health Minister Veena George in July 2024. Officials have taken no action, the association charged. The plan calls for the WHO checklist in every operation. It requires one scrub nurse and one floor nurse per patient for exact instrument counts. Time-Out procedures must happen before incisions. Operation theatres need regular safety audits. Responsibilities demand clear records.

Government inaction disappoints, KGMCTA said. Broader issues plague the system: human resource gaps, poor staffing models, weak infrastructure and overload. Health Department leaders must act now, the group urged.

The association wants a transparent investigation with a firm deadline. Joseph deserves top treatment and support, it added. KGMCTA renewed calls for instant rollout of its protocol across Kerala. Manpower and facilities require urgent boosts.

This incident spotlights pressures on public hospitals. Staff stretch thin. Basic protocols slip. Patients pay the price.

KGMCTA stressed systemic overhaul. Without it, more tragedies loom. The Health Department has not commented publicly on the criticism.