Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh: In a deeply disturbing case of alleged medical negligence, a medical gauze cloth the size of a towel was discovered inside a woman’s abdomen nearly one-and-a-half months after she underwent a cesarean section at a private nursing home in Ghaziabad. The woman, Divya Khurana, suffered weeks of intense pain, fever, and health deterioration before the foreign object was detected and surgically removed at a Delhi hospital.
Allegations of Cover-Up, Delayed Treatment
The woman’s husband, Chirag Kataria, has accused the treating gynaecologist of not only withholding information but also obstructing further diagnosis and urgent care. He claimed that attempts to get medical reports were deliberately stalled and that other doctors were allegedly told not to treat his wife.
“The doctor said my wife was like a sister and discouraged us from seeking a second opinion,” Kataria told PTI, adding that he had to threaten legal action before receiving the reports from the pathology lab.
Medical Nightmare Unfolds Over Several Weeks
Divya’s C-section took place on June 6, and she was discharged three days later. What followed was an ordeal of persistent high fever, headaches, chest pain, and ultimately fainting spells.
Despite repeated consultations, the family said they were not informed of the severity of the situation. On July 10, a CT scan in a Delhi-based hospital finally revealed a foreign object inside her abdomen, which was removed the next day in a three-hour-long surgery.
“The gauze had become attached to her ovary and other internal organs,” Kataria said, blaming the nursing home’s negligence for his wife’s suffering.
CMO Orders Probe, Gynaecologist Denies Allegations
Following the complaint, Ghaziabad Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Akhilesh Mohan said a three-member committee, including a gynaecologist, has been set up to probe the incident. He stated that action would be taken once the nursing home responds officially.
However, the accused gynaecologist has denied all charges, calling them “baseless.” She told PTI, “The patient left the clinic in good health. Later, I suggested she be admitted for further treatment, but they didn’t return. I will fully cooperate with the inquiry.”
Victim’s Husband Alleges Pressure and Intimidation
Kataria, a scientist by profession, also alleged he was pressured by “influential people” who advised him to drop the case, warning of a long and exhausting legal battle.
Despite filing complaints with both the CMO and the local police, Kataria claims that authorities were initially hesitant to act. He alleged that the CMO later said, “Your wife is alive, others have lost theirs. Let’s give the doctor one more chance.”
Call for Accountability in Private Medical Sector
This case has reignited the debate on medical accountability in private hospitals and nursing homes. Medical negligence during delivery can lead to lifelong trauma or fatal consequences, and many are urging stronger oversight and legal reform to protect patients from such lapses.
The incident follows another similar case recently reported from Punjab, where a gynaecologist was suspended after alleged negligence led to the death of a newborn at Khanna Civil Hospital.
