Pandharpur Hospital Wrong-Hand Surgery Case: Disciplinary action delayed

Pune: In the latest update, the deputy director of health services, Pune, has received the report from a two-member inquiry committee investigating the case of a child who was allegedly operated on the wrong hand at a sub-district hospital in Pandharpur. However, officials indicated that disciplinary action against the doctors involved might be delayed to avoid disruption of services at the hospital.

The incident took place when the child, diagnosed with bilateral postaxial polydactyly (extra little fingers on both hands), was admitted on March 27. He had been experiencing pain, clumsiness, and difficulty using a finger on his right hand, which was advised for surgery. However, the operating doctor mistakenly performed the procedure on the left hand, amputating the wrong finger.

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Medical Dialogues had previously reported that in a shocking case of alleged medical negligence in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, a doctor at a sub-district hospital reportedly removed a finger from the left hand instead of the right hand of a six-year-old boy. The incident has prompted the state health department to set up an inquiry committee to investigate the error.

The two-member inquiry panel led by Solapur district civil surgeon Dr Varsha Doifode reviewed medical records, interviewed hospital staff, and examined the sequence of events before submitting its report to the deputy director of health services, Pune, on Tuesday.

Hospital authorities have assured the family that the corrective surgery on the right hand will be performed soon, and preparations are currently underway. The family had previously alleged negligence, stating the surgery was carried out on the wrong hand despite clear instructions.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Dr Bhagwan Pawar, deputy director of health services, Pune region, said, “The report has recommended corrective measures and accountability. However, action against the two doctors involved has not been initiated so far.”

He noted that the surgeon and anaesthetist are the only specialists at the sub-district hospital and that immediate disciplinary action could disrupt surgical services for a large patient population. Authorities are considering measures to ensure accountability without affecting hospital operations.

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