Hassan: In a disturbing case of alleged medical negligence, doctors at the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) have been accused of operating on a woman’s right leg instead of her left leg, which had a steel rod implanted two years ago.
The woman had visited HIMS complaining of severe pain in her left leg following a previous accident. After consultation, the doctor advised surgery to remove the rod, and she was admitted on Saturday. During the procedure, the doctor reportedly operated on her right leg by mistake. Upon realising the error, he immediately corrected it and operated on the left leg, suturing and dressing the incision on the right leg.
As a result, the woman has reportedly been bedridden with both legs bandaged, unable to move independently. Her family has expressed strong outrage, accusing the doctors of negligence. The surgeon, however, denied wrongdoing, stating that the right leg had minor injuries which also required attention.
The case gained wider attention when MLA Cement Manju raised it during a KDP meeting chaired by Revenue and District in-charge Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, prompting a government-ordered investigation. HIMS has formed a three-member committee, led by Dr Shriranga, to probe the incident and submit a report.
HIMS Medical Superintendent Dr Raghavendra Prasad stated, “There was a minor accidental injury to the right leg. The surgeon maintains that it was not operated on. Appropriate action will follow the report.” Similarly, HIMS Director Dr Rajanna told TOI that action would be taken against those responsible once the committee submits its findings.
