Published Feb 27, 2026 | 7:51 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 27, 2026 | 8:33 AM
Rafi Jose Vattakuzhy.
Synopsis: A Thrissur native who underwent an adenoidectomy at a private hospital is now battling for his life at another hospital in Kochi. The family alleged that medical negligence during the surgery caused the ordeal. However, the hospital authorities said they had informed the family about the risks before the surgery.
A simple cough and ear pain during winter are common for many. Rafi Jose Vattakuzhy, a native of Kallor in the Thrissur district of Kerala who works in Dubai, suffered from the same seasonal discomfort. Due to the high treatment costs there, Rafi and his wife Bincy decided to seek medical care in Kerala during their annual vacation.
They arrived in Kerala in the first week of January along with their six-year-old child, hoping to treat what they believed was a minor health issue and return to Dubai soon. The family consulted a well-known ENT specialist in Thrissur, Dr Joseph Nadakkavukaran, who advised an adenoidectomy — a procedure generally considered minor.
Bincy and Rafi believed it would be a quick surgery and that their normal life would resume soon. Dr Joseph also assured the same. Rafi worked as a restaurant manager in Dubai, and Bincy as an accountant. They had dreams, responsibilities and a young child waiting for him to come home.
However, after the surgery at Daya General Hospital in Thrissur, their world collapsed. Rafi’s eyes remain open, but he does not respond. He does not recognise anyone. He cannot speak. He cannot move. He is now on a ventilator at Rajagiri Hospital in Kochi, fighting for his life.
Bincy alleges medical negligence that has shattered her family beyond repair.
Speaking to South First, she made serious accusations, adding yet another painful chapter to the growing list of medical negligence cases in Kerala — this time involving a reputed private hospital.
On 20 February, Bincy submitted a complaint to the Thrissur District Medical Officer (DMO) alleging that serious medical negligence happened at Daya General Hospital, a speciality surgical centre in Thrissur. However, till 26 February, she received no phone call or reply from the DMO or the Health Department.
Speaking to South First, Bincy detailed the timeline of her husband Rafi’s treatment.
On 28 January, Rafi consulted Dr Joseph. As advised, he underwent ECG, blood tests and X-rays. On 2 February, the test results were reviewed and, following the doctor’s direction, Rafi met an anaesthesiologist. They informed the family that he was fit for surgery.
On 9 February, Rafi was admitted to Daya Hospital.
The adenoidectomy was performed on 10 February at around 12 pm.
Adenoidectomy is a common surgical procedure to remove enlarged or infected adenoid glands. The surgery is usually performed in children aged between one and seven to treat chronic nasal obstruction, sleep-disordered breathing, or recurrent ear infections. Adults may also need it to treat chronic sinus infections, severe nasal blockage, allergies, or sleep apnea.
The surgery took nearly one and a half hours, after which the family was told that it was successful. Dr Joseph also informed them that Rafi could restart exercise for weight loss after one month.
However, a few hours later, the situation worsened.
A nurse told Bincy that Rafi’s oxygen level had dropped and asked her to sign a consent form for tracheostomy. Later, the family was informed that his condition had deteriorated further and that he had been put on a ventilator. Bincy said the hospital did not clearly explain what had happened.
When the family later requested the medical summary to understand the procedures done, they found that it recorded a cardiac arrest — something they claim was never disclosed to them.
An MRI scan later showed hypoxia in the thalamus region of the brain.
However, Bincy said the neurologist, Dr Narayanan Unni, did not give them a proper explanation. “There was no transparency and nothing was properly communicated,” Bincy told South First.
On 16 February, at her request, Rafi was shifted to Rajagiri Hospital in Kochi for better treatment.
“He can only open his eyes. There is no other response. Doctors say that if his memory returns, there may be hope for recovery,” she said.
Dr Joseph’s private clinic.
South First contacted Dr Joseph for his response. He admitted that he had performed the surgery but declined to comment further and asked to approach the hospital management.
Aneesh C Nair, manager at Daya Hospital, told South First that Rafi is an obese man weighing around 120 kg. He said he had met the family before the surgery and explained the risk factors in detail.
“The surgical team can better explain what happened. What they informed me is that Rafi has a very narrow airway and was already facing breathing difficulty. After the adenoidectomy, while he was being shifted from the operating theatre to the ICU, his condition worsened. At every stage, we clearly explained the risks to the family. Even in minor surgeries, complications can happen. We did not ask them to shift the patient to another hospital. They took that decision on their own,” Aneesh said.
He also said that Dr Joseph has been working as a consultant at Daya Hospital for more than three years, though he runs a separate clinic.
“He usually comes here in the morning and stays till noon, and performs surgeries as well. He is one of the best ENT specialists in the town,” he added.
Bincy told South First that ₹3.9 lakh was paid at Daya Hospital through health insurance and that hospital authorities were repeatedly calling for the remaining ₹29,000. Responding to this, Aneesh said, “We know their situation. We have not asked them to pay the balance amount. Maybe the staff called only to remind them.”
He also said that the hospital management will hold a meeting with the family on 27 February, as requested by them.
Poster of a protest march to Daya Hospital.
Speaking to South First, Jerome John, Youth Congress general secretary from Thrissur, said that a people’s forum has already been formed to seek justice for Rafi’s family. He pointed out that the DMO has not yet reviewed what went wrong and that silence has been the only response so far.
“The medical negligence has caused immense damage to the family. They are now suffering mentally and financially. If action is not taken, more such incidents will occur. Kerala is already witnessing several cases of medical negligence, especially in government hospitals. It also happens in private hospitals,” he said.
John also announced that a protest march will be held to Daya Hospital at 10.30 am on 27 February.
Meanwhile, Bincy said that medical insurance alone is not enough to cover treatment expenses at the current hospital.
She added, “We have been married for the past eight years, but we started living together as a family only two years ago. We are not wealthy. Both of us work hard to survive. Our visa will expire soon, and I don’t know what will happen next in my life.”
Her words reflected not just the pain of a wife, but the helplessness of a family pushed to the edge by alleged medical negligence — a silence that is costing them their peace, their savings, and their future.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
