Pathanamthitta: Parents of a seven-year-old boy have alleged that his right hand developed an infection due to the negligence of doctors at Pathanamthitta General Hospital. “The doctor instructed that my son’s hand be plastered even though there was an external injury. As a result, the wound developed pus after a week,” said Manoj, the boy’s father.

Manu, son of Manoj and Radha of Padinjarevila, Kodunthara, had injured his hand in a fall from his bicycle. When he was brought to Pathanamthitta General Hospital on August 28, no orthopaedician was on duty. The casualty doctor sent a photo of Manu’s X-ray to the ortho specialist, who suggested the treatment.

The parents alleged lapses in the treatment and said they would file a complaint with the district medical officer (DMO). Manu is currently admitted to a private hospital in Thiruvalla, where doctors said his condition is stable.

According to Manoj, his son was taken to the General Hospital a day after the injury. “There was swelling on his hand. The casualty doctor sent the X-ray to the bone specialist. Based on the specialist’s instructions, Manu’s hand was plastered. We met the ortho doctor after four days, but he did not remove the plaster to check the injury. He knew there was no fracture. When Manu complained of pain, the doctor prescribed medicine,” Manoj said.

The orthopaedician asked them to return after a week. “However, Manu experienced severe pain last Sunday and we checked the wound after removing the plaster. As pus and blood flowed from his hand, we took him back to the General Hospital. Considering his condition, the casualty doctor referred us to Kottayam Medical College Hospital. But we feared the situation would be no different there, so we admitted him to the private hospital in Thiruvalla,” Manoj added.

Responding to the allegation, Superintendent of the General Hospital Dr M M Shani denied any lapse in treatment. “All necessary measures were taken. Plaster was suggested as a precaution, even though there was no fracture, as is usually done in cases involving children. The plaster was not removed during the next visit as the child reported that the pain was not severe. When the infection was noticed, the child was referred to Kottayam Medical College,” Dr Shani said.

Orthopaedician Dr Anilab Alex added that there were limitations in treating such cases at Pathanamthitta General Hospital and at Government Medical College Hospital, Konni.