Doctors' negligence, trainee performed surgery defying protocol: Mamata on toxic saline case

A CID report has uncovered significant negligence at a government hospital in Medinipur, West Bengal, where a trainee doctor conducted a surgery without adhering to required medical protocols. The investigation revealed that senior doctors on duty failed to attend to the patient, and the chief surgeon was absent during the operation. Essential guidelines, such as the use of surgical gowns and sterilized equipment, were not followed.

The report further highlighted discrepancies in the administration and quality of medications used during the procedure. Investigators confirmed that the entire surgery was performed by trainee doctors, raising questions about hospital oversight and protocol enforcement. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant termed the incident “unfortunate,” while the Chief Minister stated, “If those responsible had performed their duties, the woman and child could have been saved.”

The state government reported an expansion of healthcare infrastructure, citing an increase in the number of medical colleges from 11 to 24 and a total of 97,000 beds in government hospitals. The incident has raised concerns about accountability and the implementation of safety protocols in medical institutions across the state.