Date:10/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/10/stories/2005041013500500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Case of negligence against lady doctor

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, APRIL 9. The Sanjeevareddy Nagar police on Saturday registered a case of negligence against a doctor and her team of Srinivasa Nursing Home at Yellareddyguda for allegedly "forgetting" nine-inch cotton swabs in the abdomen of the patient upon whom a caesarean was conducted. The patient also happens to be a doctor.

According to the Inspector, A. Venkata Ratnam, the patient, Dr. Sujatha (30), was admitted to the nursing home on April 3.

The following day, Dr. Pratibha conducted the caesarean on Dr. Sujatha, during which she was alleged to have forgotten the swabs in the abdomen.

After the baby was delivered, Dr. Sujatha was learnt to have developed swelling in the abdomen, besides running high temperature and vomiting.

Swabs taken out

Dr. Sujatha's family shifted her to Saivani Hospital on Lower Tank Bund where the presence of some substance in the abdomen was noticed.

Once again, an operation was done on her and the swabs were taken out.

"She is okay and has recovered," the police said.

Based on a complaint lodged by Dr. Sujatha's family members, the police registered a case of negligence and took up investigation.