A shocking and deeply concerning allegation of medical negligence has emerged from Murshidabad Medical College Hospital in West Bengal, India. Doctors at the hospital are accused of performing surgery on the completely healthy right leg of an elderly patient, even though the fracture was in her left leg.
The incident occurred on December 17. The patient, 75-year-old Renu Bibi from Malopara village in Suti-2 block of Murshidabad district, slipped while descending the stairs at her home. She sustained a serious injury to her left hip joint, resulting in a fracture of her left leg. Her family rushed her to Murshidabad Medical College Hospital for treatment.
After conducting physical examinations and X-rays, doctors informed the family that surgery was the only viable option. With the family’s consent, Renu Bibi was taken to the operation theatre. However, a grave mistake came to light after the surgery was completed.
When the patient was brought out of the operation theatre, it was discovered that her right leg—rather than the fractured left leg—had been bandaged. Upon regaining consciousness, the patient herself cried out, saying, “A mistake has been made… a mistake!” Allegations state that, in the presence of nurses and OT assistants, the orthopedic surgeon mistakenly performed the operation on the healthy right leg.
As soon as the error was noticed, the patient was taken back to the operation theatre, and emergency traction was applied to the fractured left leg. The incident has left the patient’s family shocked, distressed, and outraged.
Some hospital officials have claimed that the elderly woman had injuries in both legs. However, the family strongly disputes this claim. “If the main injury was in the left leg, why was surgery performed on the right leg?” questioned the patient’s relative, Selim Malik. He expressed disbelief that such a serious error could occur despite X-ray reports and thorough physical examinations.
He added, “Even with the naked eye, it is easy to see which leg is injured. Making such a mistake after reviewing X-rays is simply unbelievable.”
The incident has triggered widespread outrage. Responding to the controversy, Anadi Ray Chowdhury, Acting Medical Superintendent of Murshidabad Medical College, said, “No written complaint has been submitted yet, but we have received a verbal complaint. The matter is being investigated with utmost seriousness. If negligence or irresponsibility is proven, strict action will be taken against those responsible.”
