KATHMANDU, Feb 25: In a case of utter negligence, doctors of Norvic International Hospital have conducted surgery on the right leg of a patient admitted there for a torn left leg ligament. 

Bindu Poudel of Chitwan was admitted to the hospital on Friday upon suggestion from her relatives in Kathmandu. But the doctors conducted surgery of her right knee. Lab reports including medical resonance imaging (MRI) had clearly shown that she needed a left leg ligament surgery. 

Doctors have acknowledged the surgery mistake and assured of providing all treatment in her case. “We, doctors of Norvic Hospital - Prabin Nepal and Sailej Ranjitkar - accept that the operation of the right leg was done out of mistake due to human error,” the hospital administration said in an agreement signed with the victim’s relatives. 

Executive Director of the hospital Rajendra Bahadur Singh and doctors Prabin Dhakal and Shailej Ranjitkar have acknowledged this in an agreement signed with the relatives of the victim. Kishor Poudel, the husband of the victim, relatives Saroj Dahal and Thakur Prasad Wasti have signed the agreement. 

Acknowledging its mistake in the treatment process, the hospital administration has assured of providing free ligament treatment and other nerve related treatment in future in the agreement paper. The hospital administration has also agreed to bear medical expenses even if the family prefers treatment abroad. 

According to Samjhana Poudel, a relative of the victim, Bindu of Chitwan had come to Kathmandu after doctors in Chitwan referred her to go to the capital city for the surgery. Poudel was injured when her scooter fell on her knee while parking the two-wheeler. 

But a team of doctors led by Dr Prabin Nepal conducted the surgery of her right ligament. A three-member team led by Dr Prabin Nepal carried out the surgery. The 38-year-old knee patient had also repeatedly told the doctors that the problem was in her left knee, according to her family members. But the doctors ‘mistakenly’ conducted surgery of her right leg. 

“The doctors took unexpectedly long time while conducting the operation. So I was worried about the success of the operation. When I entered the operation room, bandages were put on her right knee while they were supposed to treat the left knee,” said Samjhana adding, “This shows that the hospital failed to provide quality treatment and ensure system while going through surgery although it claims to be an international hospital.” 

Family members of the victims are in a deep anxiety after the doctors mistakenly performed surgery of the right knee. “I am really sad for such a sheer negligence. So, I can’t comment on this case,” said Kishor, who was seen visibly upset at the hospital’s waiting room. 

Poudel had come to Kathmandu on Tuesday after doctors in Chitwan referred her to the capital city for the operation.

 
• sheer negligence
 
• norvic hospital