Assam Gynaecologist served notice for performing 21 C-sections in just 10 hours

Guwahati: In violation of patient safety protocols and sterilisation norms, a senior gynaecologist at Morigaon Civil Hospital has been served a show-cause notice for allegedly performing 21 caesarean deliveries in just 10 hours.

The Additional District Health Commissioner, while asking the doctor to submit a detailed report on each case within three days, stated that the doctor not only failed to follow patient-safety protocols but also did not maintain adequate records of the preoperative, postoperative, and sterilisation processes of each patient.

While the administration expressed serious concerns over the doctor’s practices, the gynaecologist defended his actions, claiming that he had done nothing unusual and was fully competent to handle such cases.

He alleged that he was being falsely accused of operating too quickly, arguing that other doctors with similar experience also perform surgeries at such a pace. He further stated that the issue was “not a big deal” and hinted that he might resign from government service if such conspiracies continued against him.

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The notice issued by the additional district commissioner (Health) Nitisha Bora on September 6 mentioned that the senior gynaecologist Dr Kantheswar Bordoloi, who also serves as senior medical and health officer at Morigaon Civil Hospital performed 21 emergency lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) deliveries within ten hours, between 3:40 pm on September 5 and 1:50 am on September 6, at the hospital’s major operating theatre.

The doctor has been asked to submit separate details of each case, including whether standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the sterilisation of surgical instruments were followed, documentation of any fetal distress cases, details of patients admitted to the Sick Neonatal Care Unit (SNCU), and the roles and duties of assisting staff.

“This raises a few serious concerns and hence, in this regard, you are hereby directed to submit a comprehensive report for each of the above-mentioned cases," stated the notice.

During a hospital inspection on September 6, the ADC (Health) observed that preoperative and postoperative notes were inadequately maintained, stressing that proper documentation is crucial for infection control and prevention of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.

Refuting the allegations, Dr Bordoloi responded to the notice and told TOI, "I have conducted the operations based on the patients’ and babies’ conditions and medical indications. There is nothing unusual in what I have done."

Frustrated by the allegations, he said, "I might resign from government service if such conspiracies continue against me. Perhaps someone complained against me. But it’s not a big deal. Other doctors also perform many surgeries at such a pace."

He explained that a typical caesarean procedure takes around 25 minutes, but in less complicated cases, it can be completed in about 15 minutes. He also noted that the hospital’s operating theatre has two tables, which allows sterilisation to be alternated without compromising safety.

Dr Bordoloi further said that 19 of the 21 mothers and infants have been discharged in stable condition, while two remain hospitalised, including one referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.

“Though this is not a big deal, it is frustrating to face such questions after so many years of service,” he told HT.

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