Jodhpur SDM critical after 'botched' surgery, investigation ordered

JODHPUR: The district administration has ordered a probe into allegations of medical negligence in the treatment of a woman SDM at a private hospital here.

SDM Priyanka Bishnoi's condition worsened after an alleged botched stomach surgery in the private hospital. Her family members shifted her to a hospital in Ahmedabad, where her condition is said to be critical. Bishnoi, an RAS officer from 2016 batch, is from Bikaner and currently serving as SDM in Jodhpur. She underwent surgery at the private hospital after complaining of stomach pain on Sept 5. She was taken to Ahmedabad on Sept 7.

District collector Gaurav Agarwal has ordered an investigation into the matter following demand by her family and the community, which have alleged that there was negligence in her treatment, claiming she was either given too much anesthesia or she lost excessive blood. Directing SN Medical College administration to form an expert committee for a high level probe into the allegations against the private hospital, the collector has sought a report in three days. He said if negligence is found on the part of the hospital, action would be taken against it.

"The matter will become clear after the expert committee's report. If negligence in her treatment is confirmed, strict action will be taken immediately," Agarwal said.

SN Medical College principal Bharti Saraswat said a team of five doctors has been formed, which will submit report in three days. The team includes Ranjana Desai from the gynecology department, Indu Thawani from medicine, Vijay Sharma from surgery, Shubhkaran Khinchar from neurology and Naveen Paliwal from anaesthesia.