Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has suspended a government doctor and a staff nurse after a shocking case of alleged medical negligence came to light at the Narasaraopeta Government Hospital, where a surgical blade was discovered inside a woman’s body following a tubectomy operation.
Blade Found During Scan, Triggers High-Level Probe
The incident occurred on November 26, when a 22-year-old woman underwent a sterilisation procedure. During the postoperative period, she experienced complications, prompting a scan — which revealed a surgical blade left inside her body.
The startling discovery led to an immediate departmental inquiry, following which the Health Department suspended civil assistant surgeon Dr T Narayana Swamy and the nurse who assisted him during the surgery.
Health Department Acts on CM Chandrababu Naidu’s Directions
Palnadu District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Dr B Ravi confirmed that the suspensions were issued based on orders from senior officials and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who called for swift action in the matter.
An official press release stated,
“Narasaraopeta government hospital’s civil assistant surgeon T Narayana Swamy has been suspended.”
It further added that the suspension was based on prima facie evidence of negligence uncovered during the preliminary probe.
Doctor Denies Negligence, Claims Blade Found in Thigh Not Abdomen
In his defence, the suspended doctor argued that the blade’s location did not align with the surgical site.
According to the press release quoted by PTI:
“If there was negligence on my part, the blade should have been inside the patient’s abdomen. However, it was discovered in the thigh.”
DMHO Dr Ravi added that a detailed investigation is underway to determine how a surgical blade ended up near the thigh, even though the patient underwent a tubectomy, which involves an abdominal procedure.
Probe Continues as Officials Examine Lapses in Surgical Protocol
The Health Department has initiated a thorough inquiry to establish responsibility, verify adherence to surgical safety protocols, and understand possible procedural lapses. Authorities have assured strict action once the final probe report is submitted.
