Medical Negligence? HIMS doctors accused of operating on wrong leg

Hassan: In a shocking case of alleged medical negligence, doctors at the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) have been accused of operating on the right leg of a woman instead of her left leg, which had a steel rod inserted two years ago.

Taking cognisance of the allegations, the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) has set up a three-member panel to investigate the incident. The team has been asked to submit a report at the earliest, based on which further action will be taken.

The incident took place on Tuesday when the woman visited the hospital complaining of severe pain in her left leg, which had a steel rod implanted two years ago following an accident.

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After consultation, the doctor advised her to undergo surgery for the removal of the rod. Consequently, she was admitted for surgery on Saturday. During the procedure, the doctor reportedly mistakenly operated on her right leg. Upon realising the error, he immediately switched to the left leg and sutured the incision on the right leg, and dressed the wound.

This reportedly resulted in the woman being bedridden since both her legs were bandaged, and she was unable to move independently. Following the alleged botched surgery, the woman accused the doctors of negligence, and her family expressed strong outrage over the incident.

However, the surgeon denied the allegations and said the woman had small injuries on her right leg, so he decided to operate on that leg too.

The matter came to light after MLA Cement Manju raised it during a KDP meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat Hall and chaired by Revenue and District in-charge Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. The minister accordingly directed an investigation and questioned the accountability of the authorities, asking where poor patients should go amidst such negligence in government hospitals.

HIMS Medical Superintendent Dr Raghavendra Prasad told Deccan Herald, "A committee has been formed to investigate the incident. There was a minor accidental injury to the right leg. The surgeon maintains that it was not operated on. Appropriate action will follow the report.”

Similarly, HIMS director Dr Rajanna told TOI that an investigation was ordered, and action will be taken against those responsible once the committee, led by Dr Shriranga, submits its report.

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