Boy develops severe infection after WhatsApp-based diagnosis in Pathanamthitta; family cries negligence

Pathanamthitta, Kerala: A seven-year-old boy’s injured hand turned septic and began oozing pus after he was put in a plaster cast on the basis of an X-ray image shared via WhatsApp by doctors.

The child, Manu, son of Manoj and Radha, hailing from Kodumthara, suffered complications allegedly due to medical negligence at Pathanamthitta General Hospital. He was later admitted to a private hospital in Thiruvalla after the wound became infected.

Manu had fallen off his bicycle on August 28 and injured his hand. As he was brought to the hospital a day later, his hand was swollen. With no orthopaedic doctor available, the medical officer at the casualty department examined him and forwarded the X-ray photo to an orthopaedic doctor, who advised putting a plaster cast.

Four days later, when the family revisited the hospital, the orthopaedic doctor reportedly refused to remove the plaster or conduct further checks. Though convinced there was no fracture and only a contusion, the doctor prescribed painkillers and asked the child to return after a week.

However, the next day the pain worsened. When the plaster was removed at home, pus and blood were seen oozing from the wound. The boy was rushed back to the General Hospital, where doctors advised shifting him to Kottayam Medical College. Instead, the family admitted him to a private hospital. The relatives said they would lodge a complaint with the District Medical Officer (DMO).

Hospital superintendent Dr. MM Shani denied any lapse, stating that the plaster was applied as a precautionary measure even though no fracture was found.

Orthopaedic doctor Anilab Alex, who treated the child, said both Pathanamthitta and Konni medical colleges faced limitations in handling such cases. Since the boy had reported less pain during the second visit, the plaster was not removed, he said. The referral to Kottayam was made only after infection signs were observed, he added.