Botched Cosmetic Surgery In Kerala Sparks Outrage, Family Demands High-Level Investigation

A 31-year-old software engineer from Kerala is battling for her life after a cosmetic surgery procedure went tragically wrong. Following this, her family has demanded a high-level investigation into what they alleged is a case of gross medical negligence.

Liposuction & Complications 

Neethu MS, a resident of Sreevaraham in Thiruvananthapuram, underwent liposuction at a private cosmetic clinic in February. What began as a bid to address post-pregnancy weight gain has turned into a nightmare, as per a report on The Hindu. According to her family, the procedure resulted in severe infections, leading to the amputation of four fingers and five toes. She also suffered a cardiac arrest and has been on ventilator support for over three weeks.

Her mother, Maya, recounted that the clinic initially quoted Rs 5 lakh for the surgery, but later offered a discount, persuading Neethu to proceed, reported First Post. Although she was discharged shortly after the procedure, her condition worsened rapidly, requiring readmission to the same clinic.

Instead of arranging for an ambulance when her health deteriorated, the clinic allegedly transferred her to another hospital in a private vehicle. There, doctors were forced to amputate her digits due to the severity of the infections. 

The family has accused the clinic and its staff of negligence and intimidation. Neethu’s husband, Padmajith, had filed a police complaint naming Dr Shenal Shashankan, the surgeon who performed liposuction, as the primary accused in the case.

Despite operating without a license at the time of the surgery, the clinic was reportedly granted formal approval on May 5 by a panel that included the district medical officer. The license was suspended after public outcry and mounting pressure.

Legal Action 

Kerala Chief Minister and Health Minister have been escalated of the situation. The family also alleged that a medical board report appeared to favour the clinic, which they believe was an attempt to derail the investigation, reported Deccan Herald.

Now calling for an impartial, high-level probe, Neethu’s family is exploring all legal avenues to ensure accountability and justice. The incident has reignited concerns about the regulation and oversight of cosmetic clinics in the state.

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