Family alleges negligence after patient undergoes two arm amputations at Lucknow Hospital

Lucknow: A 21-year-old man underwent two amputations of his left arm after reportedly developing severe swelling and infection following stomach surgery at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Lucknow, with his family alleging medical negligence and demanding action against those responsible.

The patient, a resident of Firozabad, was admitted to the hospital on June 2, 2026, after experiencing difficulty swallowing food. According to his family, doctors had informed them that food was getting stuck in his food pipe. He underwent stomach surgery on June 8, after which he developed severe pain and swelling in his left hand.

According to the patient, a cannula had been inserted into his hand for an intravenous drip. He alleged that the hand began swelling around 24 hours later and subsequently turned black. When he asked the doctor about the issue, he was allegedly told, “I am a stomach doctor, not a hand doctor.”

As his condition worsened, the patient was reportedly later referred to other hospitals. According to the family, the patient approached PGI and KGMU Hospitals, but was not admitted. Following which he returned to Lohia Hospital on June 24.

His left arm was subsequently amputated below the elbow; however, as the infection continued to spread, another amputation was performed on July 22, this time above the elbow.  

According to a report by Bhaskar English, at Deputy CM's residence, a doctor from Lohia Hospital said there had been no deficiency in treatment and suggested that he may have moved his hand while the drip was being administered, causing an infection. His mother broke down on hearing this and said, “My son was unconscious. How could he have moved his hand? You have ruined my son’s life.”  

The family has also alleged that their complaints were not properly addressed and that they faced difficulties while seeking treatment and administrative intervention. They said they met the Chief Minister on July 13, following which their complaint was forwarded by the Chief Minister's office to the DM/CMO.

Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, Lucknow DM said, “I am not aware of what happened in this matter. I can comment only after properly looking into it.”

The family has demanded an inquiry into the treatment provided at Lohia Hospital and action against those responsible.