In a disturbing incident, a doctor at a government hospital in Jambusar, Bharuch district, has been charged with carelessness for leaving a cotton swab inside a woman during a cesarean delivery. Dr. Charmi Ahir has retaliated by serving a court notice on the woman's husband, asking for Rs 50 lakh for what she alleges is slander.
On September 23, 2023, the victim, Amisha Solanki, was admitted to the Jambusar sub-district hospital and had a cesarean delivery conducted by Dr. Charmi Ahir, who gave birth to a baby boy. However, issues arose when Amisha complained of ache in abdomen after being discharged. Despite visiting the hospital again, doctors only gave drugs that provided short-term comfort.
As the discomfort persisted, Amisha was transported to Dr. Tushar Patel's private hospital in Jambusar. She felt some relief after taking the drug, but she still suffered. Concerned, her husband, Sailesh Solanki, took her to the Shyona Diagnostic Centre in Katargam for more testing. Unexpectedly, sonography and CT scan results indicated the presence of a cotton swab in her abdomen.
On November 22, 2023, the couple presented Dr. Ahir with the medical records. Dr. Ahir allegedly suggested Amisha have surgery at SSG Hospital in Vadodara to remove the swab. However, when they arrived at the hospital the next day, they received an obstructive answer from the doctor, prompting their return to Surat.
Frustrated by the lack of support, Sailesh took Amisha to Yashoda Hospital in Surat on November 28, where the cotton swab was successfully removed by surgery. Sailesh then filed a complaint with the Jambusar police, which resulted in Dr. Ahir being charged under Section 338 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with causing grievous pain by threatening the life or personal safety of others.
Jambusar police inspector A V Panmiya claimed, "We have recorded an offense based on Shailesh Solanki's allegations and the medical papers he gave to us. We also sought counsel from SSG Hospital before recording the offense. We have begun recording Ahir's and physicians' statements at SSG Hospital and in Surat."
In response to the legal action, Sailesh had previously submitted a notice to Dr. Ahir in January, requesting payment for all incurred medical bills and threatening legal action if ignored. Dr. Ahir, on the other hand, responded by blaming Sailesh for harming her and the hospital's reputation through media conversations and claiming that all charges were false.
Dr. Ahir's legal lawyers, Vibhuti Panchal and Dhrupeshkumar Mistry, stated, "Dr. Charmi Ahir received a notification from Shailesh Solanki accusing her of neglecting her duties. We responded to the notice, denying all charges. We may pursue a defamation case against those who have damaged Dr. Ahir's reputation and the facility. Though, as of now, we have not filed any defamation complaints."
This disturbing occurrence emphasizes the vital necessity for accountability in the medical field as well as the serious implications of accused negligence. Authorities are conducting investigations to learn more about this tragic incident.
Inputs from various sources.
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
