In a shocking revelation that has sparked outrage across social media, a Thai woman recently shared her harrowing ordeal of living with a surgical needle accidentally left in her body for nearly two decades. The 36-year-old, whose identity remains undisclosed, first made her story public on November 5 through the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women. The foundation, a well-known Thai nonprofit that supports victims of abuse and neglect, reported that they received a letter from the woman detailing the 18-year-long trauma.
According to South China Morning Post, the woman, a resident of Narathiwat province, sought help after discovering that the source of her unbearable lower abdominal pain, which had plagued her for years, was a needle mistakenly left inside her vagina during childbirth. Eighteen years ago, while giving birth at a local hospital, medical staff accidentally dropped the needle into her body while suturing and, fearing further complications from bleeding, decided to close the wound with the needle still inside.
The woman remained unaware of the incident until an X-ray scan at a government hospital last year revealed the needle's presence. Since this discovery, her life has been a series of hospital visits and postponed surgeries. Referred to a hospital in Songkhla province for removal, the needle movement within her body delayed surgery three times. In the meantime, she must visit the hospital four times each month for follow-ups, which, despite insurance covering most medical expenses, still leaves her with significant financial burdens, especially travel costs, which her struggling family cannot bear.
After receiving her letter, the Pavena Foundation sprang into action. They coordinated with a local hospital and arranged for the women's village head to accompany her to ensure she received comprehensive care. The foundation also worked with the social security office to arrange transportation for her hospital visits, emphasizing its commitment to helping her and following up on her condition.
Despite these efforts, many critical questions remain unanswered: it is unclear when the needle can finally be removed or how long her medical treatment will take. The hospital has yet to respond to these concerns, leaving many to wonder if they will face any legal consequences for the error.
Outrage over the incident has filled social media, with netizens calling for accountability and justice for the woman's suffering. One commenter demanded, "She should sue the doctor to the fullest! They should compensate her for 18 years of suffering." Another stressed, "Attention to detail is critical in every task. This negligent doctor should face consequences." A third user expressed concern over the potential impact on her marriage, saying, "I am worried for her husband."
This incident highlights the crucial need for accountability in medical care. For the woman, the hope is that her ordeal will finally come to an end with the needle removal, while for others, her story underscores the importance of vigilance, empathy, and responsibility within healthcare systems.
Source: South China Morning Post
