Cuttack Boy Dies After Surgery: Medical Negligence Alleged
Summary: A 1.5-year-old boy tragically died after undergoing hernia surgery at a private hospital, raising serious concerns about alleged medical negligence. The grieving mother claims the surgery was denied at a government hospital due to their health insurance status. A case has been registered, and investigations are underway.
Death of a toddler afetr Hernia Surgery
A disturbing case from Odisha has raised this very question. A 1.5-year-old boy from Dhenkanal district tragically died following a hernia surgery, sparking allegations of medical negligence at one of Cuttack’s top pediatric institutions, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics, also known as Sishu Bhawan.
What Happened: From Government Hospital to Private Clinic
According to news reports, the child was first admitted to Sishu Bhawan on May 28. The attending doctor diagnosed him with a hernia and recommended urgent surgery. However, when the family revealed they had a government health insurance card, things allegedly took a turn
The child’s mother, a 26-year-old from Fasalpada in Dhenkanal district, stated that the doctor refused to perform the surgery at the government hospital. Instead, the same doctor allegedly performed it later at a private hospital in Chandni Chowk on June 9, where the child sadly passed away.
Timeline of the Tragic Events
The family claims that after the surgery on June 9, doctors at the private hospital initially said the child was stable and kept in the ICU. But the very next day, they advised the parents to shift him to another private hospital in Mangalabag due to a sudden deterioration in his condition.
Despite their best efforts, the child passed away on Sunday morning, June 10.
Legal Action Begins: Doctor Under Scrutiny
In response to the mother’s complaint, police have registered a case under IPC Sections 304A (causing death by negligence) and 420 (cheating). The superintendent of Sishu Bhawan, Dr. Prabhakar Mishra, confirmed that a show-cause notice has been issued to the head of the pediatric surgery department, who now has 24 hours to respond.
A senior police official told The New Indian Express:
“Acting on the FIR, a case has been registered, and an investigation is underway. We’ve sent a letter to the CDMO, Cuttack, seeking a report. Once received, further legal action will be taken.”
Family's Claims: Negligence and Financial Drain
The grieving mother blamed her son’s death squarely on the alleged negligence of the doctors involved. She also stated that their entire health insurance balance was exhausted during the treatment, adding financial distress to their emotional trauma.
Conclusion: A Case That Demands Answers
This heart-wrenching incident has sparked outrage and raised crucial questions about
- Access to treatment in government hospitals
- Transparency in referrals to private clinics
- The ethical use of health insurance
As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight is now on ensuring accountability and justice for the grieving family.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
