Reported by Santosh Singh
Written and transcribed by Priyanka Joshi
Muzaffarpur, Bihar: In a distressing revelation that has sent shockwaves through the medical community, Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), Bihar’s second-largest hospital, is under intense scrutiny following a serious case of medical negligence. The incident unfolded when a child, injured in a school accident, faced the imminent threat of leg amputation after a needle was inadvertently left in the leg during treatment at SKMCH.
The incident traces back to November, when a tree collapsed at a government school in Muzaffarpur, resulting in injuries to multiple students. The affected children were promptly admitted to SKMCH for medical attention, setting the stage for the subsequent medical mishap. Mohd Shahnavaz, a young patient, had a needle left in his leg during a crucial operation, and plaster was applied over it during the dressing process.
As the child’s condition deteriorated, pushing him perilously close to leg amputation, the family took a decisive step, transferring him to a private hospital in Muzaffarpur for more advanced medical care. An X-ray at the private facility brought to light the oversight, revealing the needle that had been overlooked during the initial treatment at SKMCH. The private hospital’s medical team acted swiftly, averting the looming amputation and ensuring a timely recovery for the young patient.
Mhd. Nasir, the child’s father and a laborer, expressed his dismay over the financial strain the family endured due to the medical oversight. He lamented, “Despite being a humble man, I had to spend approximately 1.5 lakhs for our child’s treatment with a 5% interest. All of this is due to the negligence of the doctors and hospital staff.”
In response to the escalating situation, Civil Surgeon Dr. Gyan Shankar acknowledged the incident, assuring that an investigation would be initiated if a formal complaint is lodged. He stated, “The matter has come to my notice. A needle was accidentally left in the child’s leg during an operation, but no complaints have been received so far. If a complaint is filed, an investigation will be conducted, as the case is associated with SKMCH Medical College.”
As investigations unfold, questions about the efficacy of current protocols at SKMCH continue to loom large, prompting a broader discourse on the state of healthcare in Bihar.
