Family accuses DH Shopian staff of mishandling patient

Shopian, Jan 29: The family of a female patient who underwent surgery for gallstones at District Hospital (DH) Shopian has accused the hospital staff of mishandling her during the procedure.

According to the family, the patient was admitted to the operation theatre on Wednesday at around 11:30 AM for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy after all necessary preoperative tests were conducted.

“We signed a consent form for the laparoscopic surgery,” a family member said. However, as the procedure took longer than expected, the family became concerned and repeatedly inquired about the patient’s condition.

“The hospital staff reassured us that she was fine, but they did not inform us that the initial laparoscopic procedure had failed,” the family member alleged.

She further claimed that, following the failure of the first procedure, the doctors performed an open cholecystectomy, which, according to them, worsened the patient’s condition.

“Our patient was shifted to Srinagar in critical condition at around 4:00 PM. Had the hospital staff informed us earlier, we could have arranged for her timely transfer to Srinagar,” the family member added, accusing the staff of negligence.

Medical Superintendent (MS) of DH Shopian, Dr. Khalid Abbas Molvi, refuted the allegations of mishandling the patient.

He said that complications arose during the procedure and the patient was shifted to SMHS Hospital in a critical care unit under the supervision of three doctors and theatre staff.

He added that the patient has since been admitted and her condition is stable.

Dr. Khalid said that it is common practice to perform an open cholecystectomy when a laparoscopic procedure is unsuccessful due to complications.

“Our first priority was to save the patient,” he said, assuring that any allegations of medical negligence would be investigated if necessary. (RK)