Medical Negligence: Boy’s Circumcision Instead of Ulcer Treatment
Summary: In a disturbing case of medical negligence in Chennai, a 9-year-old boy who was taken to a private hospital for a mouth ulcer was mistakenly circumcised without his parents’ consent. The incident has triggered police action, an official probe, and widespread outrage over safety and consent lapses in healthcare.
Shocking Medical Error: 9-Year-Old Undergoes Circumcision Instead of Mouth Ulcer Treatment
What if a routine hospital visit for a mouth ulcer turned into a life-altering surgery?
That’s exactly what happened in Chennai, where a nine-year-old boy was mistakenly circumcised, without his parents’ consent, while being treated at a private hospital in the Ice House area.
The alleged case of medical negligence has stirred outrage across the city and sparked an official investigation. Here’s what happened, what actions are being taken, and what it means for patient safety.
Mouth Ulcer Visit Turns Into Surgical Nightmare
The boy, a resident of Mylapore, was taken by his parents to a hospital on Besant Road on Saturday after he complained of pain and sores in his mouth. After examining him, the attending doctor diagnosed a mouth ulcer and suggested treatment.
But what happened next stunned the family.
Without any prior discussion or consent, the doctor took the boy to the operation theatre and shockingly performed a circumcision.
Parents Left Shocked and Distraught
The parents only learned about the unauthorized surgery after it had already been performed. Shocked and panicked, they immediately shifted their son to Omandurar Government Multi-Speciality Hospital for further care.
They then filed a police complaint against the doctor, demanding justice.
Legal Action and Investigation Underway
Following the parents’ complaint, the doctor was booked under:
- Section 125(2) – Act endangering life and personal safety of others
- Section 351(3) – Causing hurt without consent under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
A police officer told media, “We are verifying whether the act was a result of negligence or deliberate wrongdoing. We have asked for an opinion from the Tamil Nadu Medical Council, and based on that we will file an FIR.”
The media also reports that the doctor may have mistaken the child for another patient scheduled for circumcision.
Hospital Under Fire for Multiple Violations
The Directorate of Medical Services has issued a show-cause notice to the doctor, demanding a written explanation within three days as to why action should not be taken.
The notice also revealed several serious issues within the hospital:
- Lack of qualified nurses and lab technicians
- An unsterile operation theatre
- Pending license under the Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act
Dr. T. Rajamoorthy told TOI, “The operation theatre in the hospital was not sterile. The hospital did not follow any protocol to maintain sterility.”
What is the importance of this case?
This is not just about a surgical mix-up; it’s about
- Informed consent
- Patient safety
- Accountability in Private Healthcare
When Trust Is Broken, Especially in Pediatric Cases, It Raises Serious Questions About Medical Ethics and Hospital Oversight.
A Wake-Up Call for Patient Safety
This heartbreaking incident is a strong reminder of the
- Importance of consent
- Communication
- Clinical protocols
As the investigation continues, families are left wondering how such an error could occur and how many more go unnoticed.
Inputs from various media sources.
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
