In a shocking incident in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, a female doctor from SRN Hospital is accused of medical negligence after leaving a cotton swab inside a woman’s abdomen following surgery. The doctor’s alleged carelessness led to the death of the fetus in the woman’s womb. After several days of pain and no improvement in her condition, the woman underwent another surgery at a private hospital where the cotton swab was discovered. The woman’s life was saved after the swab was removed. Based on the directions of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, the police registered a case against the doctor nearly a year and a half later, on November 10.
The Incident and Initial Hospital Care
The incident took place in early 2024 when Ranno Prajapati, a resident of Jamehti Kunda in Pratapgarh district, was admitted to SRN Hospital in Prayagraj for a cesarean operation due to labor pains. The surgery, however, ended tragically as the fetus inside her died during the procedure. Ranno remained under the care of the female obstetrician who performed the surgery until March 15, 2024, when she was discharged from the hospital.
After the operation, Ranno continued to experience persistent pain in her abdomen. According to the allegations, when she complained to the attending doctor, she was told that the pain was caused by gas in her stomach, and the issue was dismissed. Despite her continuing discomfort, she was sent home on March 15.
Discovery of Cotton Swab and Further Medical Care
After being discharged, Ranno’s condition did not improve, and her family took her to a private hospital for further consultation. It was here, through an ultrasound, that it was discovered that a cotton swab had been left inside her abdomen. The doctors at the private hospital recommended immediate surgery to remove the cotton swab, which had been unintentionally left behind during the initial operation at SRN Hospital.
On July 27, 2024, Ranno underwent surgery at the private hospital, and the cotton swab was successfully removed. The removal of the swab saved her life, but the trauma of the experience and the loss of her child left her and her family devastated.
Attempts to Seek Justice and Police Inaction
Ranno and her family, deeply disturbed by the incident, filed complaints at multiple levels. She submitted complaint letters to the Kotwali police station as well as to the police commissioner, urging them to take action against the negligent doctor. However, the police reportedly failed to take any action on her complaints for months, leaving her feeling helpless.
Frustrated by the lack of response from the police, Ranno turned to the judicial system for justice. It was only after a year and a half that the case gained legal traction. On November 10, 2025, the Chief Judicial Magistrate ordered the police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the female doctor. Following the court’s order, the Kotwali police station initiated an investigation into the case.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the court’s directive, Kotwali Police Station Officer Sanjay Kumar Rai confirmed that an FIR has been registered, and the case is currently under investigation. The police are examining the allegations and gathering evidence to determine the extent of the medical negligence. The family of the victim is seeking accountability for the loss they endured due to the doctor’s carelessness.
A Case of Medical Negligence and Accountability
This case highlights the serious issue of medical negligence and the challenges that patients face in seeking justice when errors are made in healthcare settings. The woman, who initially sought medical help with the hope of bringing her child into the world, now faces the dual trauma of losing her baby and enduring unnecessary pain due to a doctor’s mistake. The negligence of leaving a cotton swab inside a patient’s body during surgery is a clear violation of medical standards and patient safety protocols.
The delayed legal action also raises concerns about the accountability of healthcare professionals and the mechanisms in place to address medical malpractice. The family’s determination to seek justice, despite initial obstacles, has led to a crucial step toward holding the responsible doctor accountable for their actions.
Impact of Medical Negligence on Patients
Medical negligence cases like this one can have far-reaching consequences for patients, both physically and emotionally. The physical pain, trauma, and additional surgeries are only part of the ordeal. For many victims, the emotional toll is equally devastating. In Ranno’s case, the loss of her fetus due to the negligent actions of the doctor is an irreplaceable tragedy. Furthermore, the prolonged suffering caused by the undetected cotton swab aggravated her health condition.
Patients trust healthcare providers to act in their best interests and ensure their well-being. When this trust is broken due to negligence, it not only affects the patient but also raises concerns about the overall quality of healthcare services.
The Role of Legal System in Medical Malpractice
This incident underscores the importance of the legal system in holding healthcare professionals accountable for malpractice. The delayed registration of the FIR is a stark reminder of the hurdles that patients and their families may face when trying to seek justice. However, the eventual court order to register the FIR provides hope that the judicial system can serve as a safeguard for victims of medical negligence.
It is crucial for healthcare providers to maintain high standards of care and for regulatory bodies to ensure strict monitoring of medical practices. Additionally, patients should be encouraged to report any negligence they encounter, and legal avenues should be readily available to seek compensation and accountability.
The case of Ranno Prajapati highlights the grave consequences of medical negligence in healthcare settings. The female doctor at SRN Hospital in Prayagraj allegedly left a cotton swab inside the patient’s abdomen after surgery, leading to severe physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of a fetus. After months of unsuccessful attempts to seek justice, the family has finally received a response from the legal system, with an FIR being filed against the doctor. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the family is determined to hold the responsible parties accountable for the suffering they endured.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of medical accountability and the need for strict regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. As the legal process unfolds, it is crucial that the healthcare system takes necessary steps to prevent such negligence from happening again in the future.
