Dravidian Model: 38-Year-Old Woman Accuses Mayiladuthurai Govt Hospital Of Negligence After Failed Tumor Surgery

A disturbing case of alleged medical negligence emerged at a Tamil Nadu government hospital in Mayiladuthurai where a 38-year-old woman, Tamilarasi from Thenkarai, has complained to the Mayiladuthurai District Collector’s Office, accusing a gynaecologist of failing to perform a promised surgery to remove a tumour and worsening her condition.

According to the complaint, Tamilarasi sought treatment at the Mayiladuthurai Government Hospital on 19 November after experiencing severe abdominal pain. Following a CT scan, doctors diagnosed a tumor near her kidney and recommended surgery to remove it. On 4 December 2024, she was taken to the operation theatre, where the surgeon reportedly opened her abdomen but then decided the tumor was too large to remove. The doctor allegedly advised her to seek treatment at a larger hospital, such as JIPMER, before stitching the incision and discharging her.

Speaking to the press, Tamilarasi recounted her ordeal, stating, “I was admitted to the hospital on the 12th of last month for a urinary infection. During a scan, they identified a cyst and recommended for an open surgery. The scan report clearly showed from the stomach to the upper left side, but the lower part was not visible. We made this clear to then, but Dr. Prabha at the government hospital (GH) insisted on proceeding with the surgery without reviewing the scan report. I was hospitalized in the GH for a month, during which the surgery was postponed once due to a strike. Finally, on Wednesday, the 4th, they performed the operation. After opening my abdomen, the doctor said the cyst was attached to the urinary tube and intestine and told me, ‘Inform your parents that I cannot perform this surgery. It needs to be done elsewhere, by MS doctors.’ She immediately called another MS doctor, who instructed them to close the incision quickly to prevent blood loss. My heartbeat dropped, and I experienced severe anxiety. After the surgery, they transferred me to the ward. The medication they administered caused an allergic reaction, leading to swelling on my face. When I reported this, the staff treated me poorly, dismissively saying, ‘What can we do if the medicine doesn’t suit you? Go and get local treatment.’ Their negligence and attitude have left me in a dire condition.”

Tamilarasi claims the procedure left her in worse pain than before and alleges the doctors did not properly evaluate her condition prior to surgery. Coming from a financially disadvantaged background, she states she cannot afford the additional treatment and is enduring significant physical and emotional distress. In her petition, she urged authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly, take appropriate action against the doctor, and ensure she receives continued medical care. She also highlighted the need for accountability to prevent similar experiences for other patients.

District Revenue Officer Uma Maheshwari has forwarded the complaint to the Joint Director of the Health Department, instructing an investigation and necessary action to address the matter.

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