Woman dies after 3 surgeries in 1 month

Family files police complaint after lab technician at Bangalore Hospital dies after third laparoscopy and authorities are 'vague' about the cause of death

S Sudha (33), who served the Bangalore Hospital for 10 years as a lab technician could have never imagined that she would die in the same hospital because of the doctors' negligence one day.

In July, when Sudha developed a uterus problem, she consulted the hospital doctors for treatment. Dr Shrimani Rajgopalan, the doctor in-charge, instructed Sudha to undergo an operation that would cure her in a matter of
a day.


When Sudha's relatives asked Bangalore Hospital authorities about the cause of her death, they attributed it to 'certain complications'.

Sudha agreed and underwent a laparoscopy (also known as keyhole surgery) operation on July 16.

But afterwards her pain worsened and the doctor suggested a second operation after eight days, which did not help her either. Shrimani operated on her for the third time on August 18. Sudha died shortly afterwards.

When her puzzled relatives asked the hospital authorities for clarification on the cause of her death, they were vaguely told that Sudha died because of certain complications.

Unsatisfied with the answer, they registered a complaint at the Siddapur police station.

Fight for justice

A few months ago in a similar case of alleged negligence, M Girish, a student died in the same hospital.

S Murthy, Girish's father,u00a0 said, "He clearly died of negligence. For something as common as removing a kidney stone, they operated on him thrice.

The hospital authorities also misbehaved with us when we questioned them. I have filed a complaint, and will fight to get justice."

Inspector BS Angadi from Siddapur police station said, "We have received two complaints in two months against the hospital, and have sent letters to the authorities.

We have sent letters to government hospitals as well. If it is proved that it was a case of medical negligence, we will take the necessary steps."

The Other Side
The hospital administration refused to comment on the issue, but confirmed that cases have been registered. "Ask the police authorities, because we don't know much about it," said a hospital official.

Similar case
In May, 24-year-old M Girish, a BCom student had died under similar circumstances in the Bangalore Hospital. Girish was hospitalised to undergo a laparoscopy for removal of kidney stones and underwent three operations under Dr Shrimurthy. But he died after spending nearly a month at the hospital.