Varanasi BHU Trauma Center Case: Wrong Surgery on 71-Year-Old Woman Sparks Medical Negligence Probe

A shocking case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Trauma Center in Varanasi, raising serious questions about patient safety and hospital protocols.

According to reports, a 71-year-old woman admitted for the treatment of a spinal cord tumor was mistakenly taken into the operation theatre for a thigh surgery that was intended for another patient with the same name. The error reportedly went unnoticed until the procedure had already begun. Doctors became suspicious when they failed to find any fracture, eventually realizing that the wrong patient had been operated on. The surgery was immediately halted.

Following the incident, the patient later underwent the required neurosurgery on March 18. However, her family has alleged that her condition worsened significantly after the initial surgical error. They claim that proper communication and consent procedures were not adequately followed prior to the operations.

The patient reportedly developed multiple complications, including breathing difficulties, in the days that followed. She passed away on March 27 due to cardiopulmonary arrest, further intensifying concerns over the handling of her treatment.

After a formal complaint was filed by the family, the hospital administration initiated an internal inquiry into the matter. The case also drew criticism when the head of the medical team allegedly involved in the incident was initially assigned to lead the investigation. This decision was later reversed amid concerns over a conflict of interest.

Authorities have stated that a thorough probe is underway and assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter adherence to medical protocols and patient identification procedures in healthcare institutions.