BEIJING (SCMP): A Thai woman has stunned social media after revealing that a needle was mistakenly left in her vagina during childbirth 18 years ago, causing her severe pain all these years, and it still cannot be removed.
The revelation was made on Nov 5 on the official website of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, a non-profit organisation in Thailand dedicated to assisting victims of abuse, including rape, harassment, and human trafficking.
The foundation shared that they received a letter from a 36-year-old woman living in Narathiwat, a southern province of Thailand, whose name has not been disclosed.
She sought help for a medical error that occurred 18 years ago when she was in labour at a hospital.
During the delivery, medical staff accidentally dropped a needle into her vagina while suturing and failed to retrieve it.
Worried about excessive bleeding, they opted to close the wound, leaving the needle inside.
Since then, the woman has been experiencing intermittent and unbearable lower abdominal pain.
She remained unaware of the incident until last year when an X-ray examination at a government hospital revealed the needle lodged in her vagina.
Although she was subsequently referred to a hospital in Songkhla province for surgery, the procedure has been postponed three times due to the needle shifting within her body.
Currently, the needle remains unremoved, requiring her to visit the hospital four times a month for follow-ups to monitor her condition.
While most of her medical expenses are covered by insurance, she still faces significant financial strain from additional costs, such as transport, which her financially struggling family cannot afford.
This has prompted her to seek aid from the foundation.
After receiving her request, the foundation coordinated with a local public hospital to have the village head accompany the woman for comprehensive treatment.
They also contacted the local social security office to arrange transport for her hospital visits and pledged to continue following up on her care.
Details regarding when the needle can be removed and the duration of her required medical treatment were not disclosed.
The hospital’s response to the incident and any potential legal actions for compensation remain unclear.
The hospital has faced severe online backlash, with many condemning the doctor’s lack of accountability.
One online observer commented: “She should sue the doctor to the fullest! They should compensate her for 18 years of suffering.”
Another added: “Attention to detail is critical in every task. This negligent doctor should face consequences, and irresponsible doctors deserve to be punished!”
A third commenter expressed concern, saying, “I am worried for her husband.” - South China Morning Post
