Inquiry ordered after wrong leg operated at Villupuram Government Hospital
Patient Undergoes Surgery on Wrong Leg
Villupuram: In a shocking case of alleged medical negligence, doctors at the Villupuram Government Hospital reportedly performed surgery on the wrong knee of a patient who had been admitted for ligament repair.
The patient, a 46-year-old resident of Vinayagapuram near Periyathachur in Villupuram district, had been experiencing persistent pain and swelling in his right knee for several months. Employed as a conductor on a private bus plying between Villupuram and Puducherry, he approached the hospital for treatment on June 30 after his condition worsened. An MRI scan revealed ligament tears in two areas of his right leg, for which doctors advised surgical intervention.
On June 4, a medical team led by an orthopedic surgeon performed a four-hour surgery on him. The error came to light when the patient regained consciousness, and his family noticed that the uninjured leg had been operated on.
Also Read: Doctor allegedly removes patient's genitals without consent at Silchar Hospital
Family members who were informed about the incident rushed to the ward and confronted the doctors. “They admitted the mistake and claimed he would recover in 10 days. They also promised to perform the correct surgery on July 7,” said Thangammal, adding that Marimuthu was now experiencing pain in both legs, reports TNIE.
Following the incident, police from Villupuram West Police Station arrived at the hospital to mediate between the aggrieved family and hospital staff. Police presence was maintained on the premises for the rest of the day to prevent further unrest.
According to TNIE, Health department officials later deputed a team of doctors from the government medical college hospitals to conduct an inquiry. “Marimuthu’s condition is stable, and there is no cause for concern. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry,” said a senior official from the Villupuram district health department.
