Sterilization Surgery Gone Wrong: Patient Dies After Delay

A woman identified as Ranjana Babu Keskar from Khor Village in Daund died on April 25 following a sterilization procedure at the Kedgaon Primary Health Centre. A preliminary report indicates her death was caused by internal bleeding during the surgery. The five-member panel has recommended a departmental inquiry against laparoscopic surgeon Dr Anil Kadam and medical officer Dr Nilima Lokhande.

The panel's report suggests Dr Kadam, a trained laparoscopic surgeon, failed to assess the situation's seriousness and perform an immediate laparotomy. Instead, after the patient experienced dizziness and a drop in blood pressure, vasovagal shock was suspected, and atropine was administered. However, her condition did not stabilize, and there was a delay in escalating care.

An ultrasound was advised, and Keskar was referred to a private facility, Akshay Nursing Home, where she was admitted to the ICU around 11:30 am. Dr Kadam, who had left for another camp, returned later and advised shifting her to Sassoon General Hospital, stating an emergency laparotomy could not be performed at the private hospital. By then, her condition had worsened, and she died around 6 pm en route to Sassoon.

The district health officials have submitted the report to the state government, and a high-level committee will conduct a further probe. A proposal for a ₹2 lakh ex gratia compensation under the Union government's Family Planning Indemnity Scheme has also been submitted.