Thiruvananthapuram: In a suspected case of medical negligence, a 31-year-old software engineer from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has undergone amputation of several fingers and toes following a severe infection that developed after a cosmetic surgery.

M S Neethu, a resident of Sreevaraham in Muttathara, had four fingers on her left hand and all five toes on her left foot surgically removed. She had visited the private ‘Cosmetic Hospital’ in Arasummoodu, Kazhakoottam, for a fat removal procedure on her lower abdomen on February 22. The procedure was performed by Dr Shenal Shashankan.

According to her husband Padmajith’s complaint, Neethu was discharged the next day but soon experienced severe fatigue. Despite informing the doctor, she was only advised to drink salted porridge and water. As her condition worsened, she was taken back to the clinic on February 24. The clinic arranged for her transfer to another private hospital due to low blood pressure and other complications. There, she suffered a cardiac arrest and was admitted to the ICU, where tests revealed multiple organ infections. She remained on a ventilator for 21 days and underwent dialysis.

The lack of blood flow due to a blocked artery in her left leg eventually led to the loss of movement and necessitated amputation. The family alleges they have already spent around ₹10 lakh on treatment.

Thumba police have registered a case based on the complaint, and Kazhakoottam police confirmed that the clinic was operating without a valid medical establishment licence. A closure notice has been issued. Assistant Commissioner J K Dinil has written to the District Medical Officer to set up a medical board to investigate the incident thoroughly.