Ghatkopar resident accuses Kolkata hospital of negligence

A process has been issued, by a magistrate's court in the city, against a doctor and the Apollo Hospital authorities in Kolkata for alleged medical negligence towards a Ghatkopar resident.

A process has been issued, by a magistrate's court in the city, against a doctor and the Apollo Hospital authorities in Kolkata for alleged medical negligence towards a Ghatkopar resident. A surgical mop was left in the abdomen of the patient during a surgery.

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Complainant Gauri Paul had moved the court for action against the doctor, the hospital director and the managing director, for alleged cheating and for causing grievous hurt.

According to Paul, she was diagnosed with a prolapsed uterus, after which the doctor at the Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata prescribed a laparoscopic surgery to remove the uterus in October 2007.

Paul began experiencing fever and heavy pain in the abdomen even before discharge. The doctor assured her that the pain would gradually subside.

However, three weeks after being discharge, Paul continued to experience pain. When Paul's situation worsened she was operated on by doctors at Jaslok Hospital on February 4, 2008.She was told by doctors at Jaslok that the reason for her abdominal pain, fever and heaviness in the abdomen were due to the presence of a surgical mop tucked in the small bowel.

The Girgaum additional chief metropolitan magistrate held that due to peculiar circumstances of the case, the court has jurisdiction to entertain the complaint. A prima facie case has been made out against the doctor and hospital authorities. The case has been adjourned till March 6.