Indian authorities have suspended two doctors and launched an investigation after a patient’s severed leg was used as a pillow to prop up his head, a hospital official said on Sunday (March 11).
Administrators at the government-run hospital in Uttar Pradesh state vowed “strict action” after images emerged showing the patient on a stretcher with the amputated limb being used as a headrest.
“We have set up a four-member committee to find out who put the severed leg under the patient’s head,” said Sadhna Kaushik, principal of the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College and Hospital in Jhansi, told AFP.
The man, identified as 28-year-old Ghanshyam, was seriously injured in a bus accident. His relatives told the local NDTV news network that hospital staff ignored their requests that he be given a pillow.
What the authorities have agreed on since a TV channel streamed a video of the incident is that a probe is in order. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma has assured strict action against those found guilty.
”He was given immediate medical aid. The doctor looked for something to raise his head. Patient’s attendant used the leg for the same. We’ve set up a committee. Strict action will be taken if our staff is found to be at fault,” Sadhna Kaushik, Principal, Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, said.
In the meantime, the attending two doctors and nurses have been suspended.
