Kozhikode (Kerala) | Harshina, who waged a years-long battle for justice after a surgical scissor was allegedly left inside her abdomen during a surgery, joined the Government Medical College here on Tuesday as an office attendant.

The new UDF government had decided to provide her a permanent job at the same medical college soon after assuming office.

State Health Minister K Muraleedharan handed over the appointment order on Monday.

Harshina, who arrived at the medical college along with relatives and leaders of the agitation committee, turned emotional while speaking to reporters after assuming charge.

She said the appointment was the result of her years-long hardship and struggle for justice.

Criticising the previous LDF government, Harshina alleged that the then authorities had ignored and ridiculed her despite repeatedly claiming to stand by her.

"This is a strong reply to the former authorities who sidelined and humiliated us while saying they were with us," she said.

Harshina also said Chief Minister V D Satheesan has fulfilled the promise made to her and that she had received the same warmth and support from him now as she did when he was the Leader of the Opposition.

She said she now felt the support of the Health Minister as well and added that truth had prevailed after years of suffering.

Harshina further said the case against those responsible for the incident would continue strongly in court.

The scissors was allegedly left inside her abdomen during a surgery held at Kozhikode Government Medical College in 2017 and was removed through another operation in 2022.

Harshina had since been waging a prolonged legal and public battle seeking justice and adequate compensation.