SOLAPUR — A shocking incident of medical negligence has surfaced from the sub-district hospital in Pandharpur, where a six-year-old boy, Shahu Sunil Dandade, allegedly underwent surgery on the wrong hand. The Maharashtra health department has since constituted a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the lapse.
The Incident
The child was born with bilateral postaxial polydactyly, a condition where extra fingers are present on both hands. He was admitted on March 27, 2026, specifically for the removal of an extra finger on his right hand that was causing pain and interfering with his grip. However, the operating surgeon, identified as Dr. Varsha Kane, and her team mistakenly removed the finger from the left hand instead.
Family’s Allegations
The boy’s family expressed deep outrage, stating they had clearly signed an NOC (No Objection Certificate) for surgery on the right hand. Relatives further alleged that when they confronted the staff, they were met with dismissive excuses and claimed that hospital authorities attempted to alter medical records to cover up the mistake.
Hospital Response & Investigation
Hospital officials, including Medical Superintendent Dr. Vijaykumar Sarde, have initially defended the action by claiming the child had abnormalities in both hands that eventually required intervention. However, the family maintains the left hand had no complaints.
A formal probe, led by Solapur district civil surgeon Dr. Varsha Doifode , is currently underway. The committee has already recorded statements from hospital staff, and further disciplinary or legal action will be determined once the final report is submitted to senior authorities.
