Surgery delay: WB medical council finds surgeon guilty of medical negligence

Kolkata: The West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) recently found a city-based surgeon prima facie guilty of medical negligence in connection with the death of a 42-year-old patient.

Taking disciplinary action, the council has directed the surgeon to submit his reply to the charges within three weeks of receiving the official notice.

The case dates back to February 2, 2024, when a patient was admitted to a Clinic with acute abdominal pain. Medical tests reportedly confirmed appendicitis. However, the patient’s family has alleged that the surgery was delayed by two days despite his condition.

Also read- 95 percent complaints dismissed without probe: Corruption, unlawful practices alleged at WB medical council

According to the patient’s wife, "He (doctor) told me the surgery was minor, but it took two and a half hours."

Following the operation, the patient's condition worsened, and he was shifted to the ICU later that night and put on ventilator support. Her wife was informed that he had lost nearly two litres of blood, after which a second surgery was performed.

With no improvement in his health, the family decided to shift him to a hospital in Hyderabad for further treatment. The doctors there said that one of his intestines got punctured during the surgery in Kolkata. Despite treatment, the patient later succumbed to his condition in Hyderabad.

Following this, the WBMC, in a communication to the surgeon, mentioned, "You have been found prima facie guilty of infamous conduct in a profession," reports TOI. 

Responding to the development, the surgeon said that he is yet to receive a copy of the WBMC order.

Also read- Misconduct, misrepresentation, negligence! Gujarat medical council suspends 3 doctors