Pune, Nov 23: In a tragic case of medical negligence, a Pune woman died after a surgical towel was accidentally left inside her abdomen during a cesarean delivery. The error led to severe complications, eventually putting her in a coma for nearly three years. After a long 14-year legal fight, the State Consumer Commission has ordered the doctor and the hospital to pay ₹26.50 lakh as compensation to the family.
According to a report by Times of India, the incident dates back to August 8, 2008. Prashant Kukde, a resident of Pashan, had admitted his wife Rupali to Jeevandeep Medicare Centre on Sus Road for the delivery of their second child. Although the C-section was completed successfully, the medical team panicked when they realized a surgical towel had been left inside her abdomen while stitching the incision.
Doctors immediately reopened the stitches to remove the towel. During this emergency procedure, Rupali suffered a cardiac arrest. Her condition worsened rapidly, forcing the staff to shift her to another hospital. Three days later, she was diagnosed with encephalopathy, indicating severe brain damage. Rupali slipped into a coma soon after and remained unconscious for almost three years until she passed away on May 1, 2011.
Prashant filed a complaint in 2008. The case continued for nearly 17 years before the Pune bench of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission delivered its verdict. The commission, led by presiding member Milind Sonawane and member Nagesh Kumbre, found the hospital and the attending doctor, Dr. Deepalakshmi Ragde, guilty of negligence and poor medical service.
The panel pointed out several lapses, including:
- Not shifting the critical patient immediately for advanced care
- Delaying medical reports and discharge papers for more than six weeks
- Failing to protect the patient’s airway during surgery
- Inadequate post-operative monitoring
Advocate Gnyanraj Sant, representing the complainant, said that although justice was delayed, the ruling sets an important precedent for ensuring accountability in healthcare and improving patient safety in the future.