Howrah: A 50-year-old panchayat office employee, Swapna Pal, died during surgery for a uterine tumour at a private hospital in Makardah, Howrah, leading her family to file an FIR alleging medical negligence against the hospital and gynaecologist Biman Mitra.Her family alleged that Mitra halted the operation, temporarily closed her abdomen and left for lunch while she remained unconscious in the operating theatre. They claimed a nurse later found her dead after heavy bleeding.Mitra denied negligence. He told police the tumour was larger than indicated in the ultrasound and complications arose during surgery. He said he stitched the abdomen and stopped the procedure because he was unsure how to continue, adding that an anaesthetist, junior doctor and two nurses remained with the patient.Police said newer allegations suggested Mitra may have stopped the operation soon after opening Pal’s abdomen, saying he could not handle the case and would consult a senior gynaecologist after having a snack. Hospital officials and the doctor have reportedly given differing statements. The resident medical officer said Pal was stable before surgery. Police have sent the body for post-mortem examination, saying the report will be crucial.
