Medical Negligence Shakes Kerala: Boy's Hand Severely Infected After WhatsApp X-ray Misdiagnosis

A shocking tale of medical negligence has emerged from Pathanamthitta, Kerala, where a young boy is fighting for the functionality of his right hand after an alleged misdiagnosis based on a WhatsApp image of an X-ray led to severe infection. This harrowing incident has cast a stark spotlight on the dangers of informal medical practices and the critical importance of proper diagnostic protocols.

The ordeal began when Muhammad, a young student, suffered an injury to his right hand after a fall.

Concerned, his parents immediately sought medical attention at a private hospital in Pathanamthitta. An X-ray was taken, a standard procedure for such injuries. However, what followed deviated drastically from accepted medical practice and set in motion a chain of events that has left the boy in a critical condition.

According to reports, the attending physician, identified as Dr.

Nizar, allegedly made a critical decision without physically examining the X-ray film. Instead, he reportedly reviewed the X-ray image that had been sent via WhatsApp from another doctor. Based solely on this digital image, a plaster cast was applied to Muhammad's hand.

Soon after the cast was applied, Muhammad began experiencing excruciating pain and severe swelling, symptoms that should have immediately raised red flags.

As his condition deteriorated, the cast was eventually removed, revealing a horrifying sight: a severe infection had taken hold of his hand, aggressively attacking the bones and surrounding tissues. The gravity of the situation necessitated immediate and intensive care.

Muhammad was subsequently transferred to Kottayam Medical College, where he has since undergone multiple complex surgeries in a desperate attempt to combat the rampant infection and salvage his hand.

Doctors are now battling to prevent permanent damage and restore at least some functionality to his right hand, which remains in a precarious state. The family's agony is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding his recovery and the potential for lifelong disability.

This disturbing case has prompted a swift response from the Health Department, which has launched a thorough investigation into the alleged medical negligence.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the profound risks associated with bypassing established medical procedures and relying on unofficial channels for critical diagnoses. It underscores the indispensable need for rigorous professional standards and direct patient examination, ensuring that every medical decision is made with the utmost care and based on comprehensive, verified information, not just a fleeting image on a messaging app.