Manjeri, Kerala: A 73-year-old woman allegedly lost movement in her right leg after undergoing surgery at the state-run Manjeri Medical College in Kerala’s Malappuram district, with her family accusing the hospital of medical negligence.

Parvathy was admitted to the hospital in the first week of May for treatment related to bone deterioration. She underwent surgery on May 12.

Her grandson Rahul told the media that the operation began at 7 am and she was shifted from the ICU to a ward at around 11 am.

However, by about 8.30 pm the same day, her leg reportedly changed colour and she began suffering severe pain and coldness in the limb. Rahul said the family informed doctors about the condition, but they initially maintained that there was no serious issue.

Family alleges nerve damage 

According to relatives, hospital authorities later insisted that the elderly woman be shifted immediately to Kozhikode Medical College.

After she was moved there, scans allegedly showed that a nerve in her leg had been cut and stitched, the family claimed. They alleged that blood flow stopped after the nerve was severed, leading to the change in colour in the leg.

The family further claimed that Parvathy has now completely lost movement in her legs.

They also said she has undergone around five surgeries so far and that treatment expenses have crossed Rs 2 lakh.

DMO seeks report on incident

The family has submitted a complaint to the district medical officer (DMO). Following the complaint, the DMO sought a report on the incident.

Meanwhile, authorities at Manjeri Medical College said they had come to know about the matter only recently. They added that the doctor who performed the surgery is currently abroad and that a response would be issued after speaking to him.