Songkhla: Mrs. Pawina Hongsakul, President of the Pawina Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, has taken urgent action to assist Ms. Saripa, a 36-year-old woman from Narathiwat Province. Ms. Saripa has been enduring significant discomfort for 18 years due to a needle that was accidentally left in her vagina after childbirth. She is now receiving medical attention at Songkhlanagarind Hospital.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Aruman, the village headman of Village No. 8, Tambon Chok, Amphoe Cho Airong, Narathiwat Province, filed a complaint on November 4 with the Paveena Foundation. The complaint highlighted the plight of Ms. Saripa, who had been unknowingly living with a needle in her body since a nurse dropped it during a medical procedure at a hospital in Narathiwat Province 18 years ago. This incident has caused her severe lower abdominal pain and occasional fainting spells over the years. After an X-ray in April 2024 revealed the presence of the needle, her case was referred to a hospital in Son
gkhla Province for surgery. However, the needle’s movement within her body has repeatedly delayed the surgical procedures.
Ms. Saripa, despite having access to a gold card for treatment, faces financial difficulties due to travel expenses for her ongoing medical appointments, which occur 3-4 times a month. In response, the Paveena Foundation facilitated coordination with the Public Health Doctor of Narathiwat Province and the Department of Social Development and Human Security to support her journey to Songkhla Nakarin Hospital for treatment.
Upon her referral to Songkhlanagarind Hospital, it was noted that Ms. Saripa had experienced chronic lower abdominal pain, with the foreign object believed to be the cause. However, the X-ray results suggested that the needle might not be located in the pelvis, raising doubts about its role in the pain experienced by the patient. Although a surgery was scheduled for June 21, 2024, it was postponed at the request of Ms. Saripa and her family, pending improvement in her
physical and mental condition.
The medical team at Songklanagarind Hospital is undertaking a comprehensive approach to address Ms. Saripa’s condition. This includes identifying additional causes for her pain and providing supportive treatment to manage her symptoms and anxiety. The doctors acknowledge the risks associated with the surgical removal of the needle, which could lead to complications due to the required removal of surrounding tissue. The decision to proceed with surgery rests with Ms. Saripa, and Songklanagarind Hospital is committed to delivering quality medical care in line with established standards.