Doctor Operates 9-Year-Old Boy’s Private Part Instead of Leg
Doctors at the Thane Civil Hospital performed a circumcision instead of the planned leg surgery on a 9-year-old boy. The incident has sparked serious concerns about India’s healthcare system.
A few weeks back, ISH released a video about a Kerala doctor performing surgery on a 4-year-old girl’s tongue instead of her hand. Watch full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P50NqxPMCys
In a shocking incident from Thane, Maharashtra, a 9-year-old boy underwent an unintended surgery on his penis instead of his injured leg at Thane Civil Hospital. The incident occurred on June 15, 2024, when the boy, a resident of Saravali village in Shahapur, was admitted for treatment under Dr. Swapnil.
The boy had initially injured his leg while playing, which later developed an infection, prompting his parents, who are daily wage laborers, to seek medical help. Despite regular visits for dressing and treatment, the wound did not heal, leading to the decision for surgery.
After the operation, the boy revealed to his mother that Dr. Swapnil had operated on his penis instead of his leg. Upon confrontation, the doctor hurriedly performed the correct surgery on the boy's leg. Dr. Swapnil defended his actions, claiming the boy also had a condition called Phimosis, necessitating circumcision.
However, the parents were upset, stating they were not informed beforehand about the circumcision procedure. Hospital authorities suggested there might have been a communication lapse, but the parents persisted, refusing to take their son home until given written assurance of his well-being.
A subsequent investigation revealed that Dr. Swapnil had multiple patients of similar age on the surgery list that day, with one scheduled for circumcision. This has led to allegations that a mix-up occurred, resulting in the incorrect surgery being performed on the boy.
The hospital's chief head surgeon has initiated an inquiry into the matter, while local police and human rights activists have become involved, demanding strict action against Dr. Swapnil and the hospital staff. The police have started their investigation but have not yet filed a case.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, raising concerns over medical negligence and the safety of patients, especially children, in hospitals. The family's ordeal highlights the need for better communication and oversight in medical procedures to prevent such errors from occurring in the future.
As investigations continue, the boy's parents seek justice and accountability for what they describe as a traumatic and avoidable medical mistake.
