Child dies after ear surgery; case against hospital

The Bhandup police on Wednesday registered a case of causing death due to negligence against a private hospital after an eight-year-old girl he had operated upon died on Tuesday evening.

The Bhandup police on Wednesday registered a case of causing death due to negligence against a private hospital after an eight-year-old girl he had operated upon died on Tuesday evening.

HT Image

The girl, Pratiksha Gaikwad, had damaged her eardrum. Sitabai, a relative of the girl, said doctors at Jadhav clinic in Bhandup advised surgery. Relatives said the girl was discharged after the operation. “However while taking back, her condition got worsened. We took her back to the hospital, but her condition deteriorated. She died before she could be taken to another hospital,” Sitabai said.

Dr Vivek Jadhav, who owns the clinic, refuted the allegations. “Some people, including a local corporator, are instigating the patient’s family,” Dr Jadhav said.

The doctors at the hospital said nobody dies after ear surgery. “The girl had recovered after the surgery and even had juices. She spoke to her family members,” Dr Jadhav said. “She died after she was taken home. How is the hospital responsible for it?”

Senior Inspector Vilas Shinde said, “We will take further action after the panel of doctors set up to investigate the matter of medical negligence submits its report.” Relatives said Pratiksha’s mother, Sushma, a domestic help, had sold her mangalsutra for the girl’s treatment. The victim’s father had died two years ago. “ We will see to it that the accused gets punished,” said Abhinav Thakur, who lives in the same locality as Pratiksha.