Infant’s Thumb Severed Amid Alleged Nurse Negligence in Vellore

A newborn boy suffered a partial amputation of his right thumb at Vellore Government Medical College Hospital on 24 May, allegedly due to a nurse's mishandling during a routine procedure. The incident has prompted an official inquiry and raised concerns over adherence to medical protocols in public healthcare facilities.

The infant, born via caesarean section to Vimalraj and Nivetha of Mullipalayam, was receiving intravenous treatment after reportedly ingesting amniotic fluid during birth. While attempting to remove adhesive tape securing a glucose line, a senior nurse allegedly used scissors instead of her hands, resulting in the severing of the baby's thumb tip.

The child's father, Vimalraj, claimed that the nurse was distracted by her mobile phone during the procedure. He expressed frustration over the delay in being informed, stating that he was not allowed to see his son for over an hour and a half following the incident.

Upon noticing profuse bleeding, the nurse reportedly rushed the infant to the intensive care unit, citing the need for a different injection. The family was later advised to transfer the baby to Stanley Government Hospital in Chennai, where emergency surgery was performed to reattach the severed portion. The child remains under medical care and is reported to be stable. Open URL