Surgery goof-up victim’s health worsens

S. Chalapati, rice mill worker and victim of alleged surgical goof-up at the General Hospital here, has been facing problems in meeting medical costs eventually, as he, along with other mill workers, is not covered under the Employees State Insurance (ESI) scheme.

After assessing his plight, In-charge Collector A. Md. Intiyaz instructed officials to arrange for extended free medical care to the victim.

It may be recalled that Chalapati had to undergo two operations within a month’s time following a surgical goof-up at the DSR Government General Hospital in which a forked forceps was left stitched up inside his abdomen after first operation on October 3.

A second surgery was performed a few weeks later when the forceps was removed. However, Chalapati’s health complications continued as his wife, Janaki, and other families members were unable to bear the medical costs.

As per the latest medical advise, Chalapati has been instructed to consult oncologists and undergo tests for further diagnosis.

The officials have now decided to take Chalapati to the Cancer Hospital to provide him free medical treatment there.

Seeing the vulnerable condition of workers, the officials have taken steps for compulsorily including rice mill workers under the ESI scheme so that there would not be any problems in meeting their medical emergencies.