Published Sep 20, 2026 | 10:54 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 20, 2026 | 10:54 AM
The girl, who hails from Koodal, had undergone a chest X-ray on 14 September on the advice of the treating doctor.
Synopsis: A 16-year-old girl was wrongly diagnosed with spinal curvature and prescribed medication, which she took for four days after doctors at Government Medical College Hospital, Konni, examined an X-ray belonging to an 88-year-old woman. The mix-up was detected during a follow-up at General Hospital, Pathanamthitta, after doctors noticed that the age on the X-ray did not match the patient. A temporary employee has been suspended, and an inquiry has been ordered.
A 16-year-old girl who was taken to Government Medical College Hospital, Konni, in Keralam’s Pathanamthitta district with breathing difficulties was diagnosed with spinal curvature and prescribed medication. She continued taking the medicines for four days before the error was detected.
The concerning oversight followed a mix-up of X-ray films after doctors were handed a film belonging to an 88-year-old woman, which showed a curvature of the spine.
Shaul Hameed, a temporary employee working in the X-ray dispatch section, has been suspended following a preliminary inquiry by the hospital superintendent.
The girl, who hails from Koodal, had undergone a chest X-ray on 14 September on the advice of the treating doctor. The mix-up came to light when she was taken to General Hospital, Pathanamthitta, for a follow-up examination.
Doctors there noticed that the age mentioned on the X-ray did not match the patient and raised questions about the findings. Her parents then approached Konni MCH and sought an explanation from the hospital.
The hospital’s preliminary report has pointed to a failure by the patient’s bystanders to verify whether the X-ray handed over to them belonged to the correct patient. The inquiry reportedly identified an error at the X-ray distribution counter.
The hospital has also sought explanations from doctors in the radiology and pulmonology departments.
Health Minister K Muraleedharan ordered an inquiry into the incident.
The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also taken suo motu cognisance of the case. Acting chairperson C Sicily Joseph has sought reports from the Director of Medical Education, the Konni Medical College superintendent and the Konni SHO.
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