Kerala Infant Undergoes Surgery After Needle Found Near Ribs; Family Alleges Hospital Negligence

A one-year-old girl from Kozhikode district in Kerala has undergone surgery to remove a needle that was found lodged near her right ribs. The child's parents have alleged medical negligence, suspecting the needle was left inside her body during treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital.

The infant, a resident of Chathamangalam, was born at Kottayam Medical College Hospital in June 2025. Shortly after birth, she developed jaundice and was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Her mother, Anju, said that when the baby was discharged, the family noticed swelling near her right ribs. Doctors at the time reportedly dismissed it as a minor growth that would subside with treatment.

Over the following months, the child continued to experience discomfort and cried frequently, according to her mother. Doctors reportedly attributed this to common infant issues. In July 2026, the child developed severe pain and swelling near the right ribcage, prompting the family to take her to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Scans there revealed a needle near the ribs, which was subsequently removed through surgery.

Anju said doctors told the family the needle appeared to have been inside the child's body for a long time. The parents noted that the child had no other surgeries or prolonged hospital stays during the intervening year, leading them to believe the needle may have been left behind during her NICU treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital. Anju also recalled noticing what looked like a pointed object near the child's body in photographs taken around the time of the NICU admission.

The family has filed a complaint with the Superintendent of Kottayam Medical College Hospital and plans to approach State Health Minister K Muraleedharan seeking action. Hospital authorities have initiated an inquiry, with a deputy superintendent tasked to investigate the matter, identify duty staff from the relevant period, and examine the child's NICU treatment records. Officials have stated the allegations will be investigated seriously.