West Bengal Medical Council Clears Surgeon of Professional Misconduct Charges
Around two-and-a-half months after issuing a show-cause notice and prima facie finding a Kolkata-based surgeon guilty of medical negligence, the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) has now exonerated the doctor from all charges related to the death of a 42-year-old patient.
The decision was taken after the council summoned the surgeon for a fresh hearing and reviewed his detailed response to the allegations. According to media reports, the council concluded that the charges against the doctor were “not substantiated” and that he was not guilty of professional misconduct.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to February 2, 2024, when the patient was admitted to a private clinic in Kolkata with severe abdominal pain. Medical investigations reportedly confirmed appendicitis.
However, the patient’s family alleged that despite the diagnosis, the surgery was delayed for nearly two days. They also questioned the duration of the operation, claiming that although the surgeon described it as a minor procedure, it lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours.
According to the family, the patient’s condition deteriorated significantly after surgery. He was later shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and placed on ventilator support. The family was allegedly informed that the patient had lost nearly two litres of blood during the procedure, prompting doctors to perform a second surgery.
Family Alleged Intestinal Injury During Surgery
As the patient’s condition failed to improve, the family shifted him to a hospital in Hyderabad for advanced treatment. Doctors there reportedly informed the family that one of the patient’s intestines had been punctured during the surgery performed in Kolkata.
Despite further medical intervention, the patient later succumbed to complications during treatment in Hyderabad.
WBMC Initially Found Prima Facie Negligence
Earlier, the WBMC had reportedly framed charges against the surgeon on April 3 and issued a notice directing him to submit a response within three weeks.
Following this, both the complainant and the treating surgeon were summoned to appear before the council on May 7. During the hearing, the surgeon responded to all allegations levelled against him.
After evaluating the submissions and hearing both sides, the council, on May 20, ruled that there was insufficient evidence to establish professional misconduct or medical negligence against the doctor.
Medical Negligence Cases Continue to Draw Attention
The case once again highlights the growing scrutiny surrounding allegations of medical negligence and the role of medical councils in evaluating complaints against healthcare professionals. Such cases often involve detailed examination of surgical procedures, medical records, expert opinions, and standard treatment protocols before disciplinary action is determined.
