The Kerala government has launched a sweeping investigation into a disturbing case of alleged medical negligence at Kottayam Medical College Hospital, where a needle remained lodged in a newborn's body for over a year before being discovered.

Key facts

  • Needle discovered in child's body after one year
  • Surgical removal performed on July 10, 2026
  • Multiple investigations ordered by state authorities
  • Child born June 24, 2025 at Kottayam MCH

A parent's nightmare unfolds

Anjumol delivered her baby girl at Kottayam MCH on June 24, 2025. What should have been a joyous beginning turned concerning when the newborn developed complications and was moved to the neonatal ICU. The mother noticed a reddish patch below the child's right chest almost immediately—a warning sign that would haunt the family for the next year.

Despite bringing this to doctors' attention and undergoing scans, medical staff reportedly manually examined the area and assured the mother the issue would become clearer as the child grew. They were discharged after seven days, carrying home both their newborn and growing unease.

The painful discovery

For nearly a year, the parents watched their daughter cry frequently and show signs of discomfort, initially attributing it to normal infant difficulties. But the patch below her chest became more prominent, compelling them to seek help at Kozhikode MCH.

Scans and X-rays there revealed the shocking truth: a needle-like foreign object, similar to those used in syringes for drawing blood, had been lodged in the child's body since birth. On July 10, 2026—over a year after her delivery—surgeons finally removed the object.

Multiple investigations launched

The case has triggered swift response from state authorities. Women and Child Development Minister Bindhu Krishna personally intervened, directing her department to conduct an inquiry. The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights registered a case, with acting chairperson Cicily Joseph taking suo motu cognisance.

Meanwhile, a three-member committee headed by medical college deputy superintendent Frederic Paul has completed its initial inquiry. Hospital superintendent Tigy Thomas Jacob confirmed the investigation, stating appropriate action would follow the findings.

"The report is yet to be received. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry," said Tigy Thomas Jacob, superintendent of Kottayam MCH.

The parents have filed complaints with both police and hospital authorities, awaiting outcomes before considering further legal action. Their experience has exposed alarming gaps in neonatal care—and raised urgent questions about accountability in Kerala's healthcare system.