Raiganj, Aug. 1: Ajida Bibi had an appendectomy at the district hospital today, three days after she was referred to a private nursing home by a doctor who had claimed that the government facility was not equipped for the operation.

Dr Somnath Chatterjee, who carried out the operation, said Ajida was doing fine. “I found no reason why there was such a hurry. The condition of the appendix was not that serious,” he said.

Ajida had been admitted to the district hospital with acute pain in her stomach on July 28 under Dr Sanjay Seth. The next day, Seth told her husband Answer Ali, that her condition was critical and she should be operated upon immediately.

The doctor also suggested a shift to a private nursing home for better facilities.

Although Ali, a local RSP leader, got his wife admitted to the nursing home of Seth’s choice on July 30, he also got in touch with North Dinajpur district magistrate Sukumar Bhattacharyya.

The DM ensured that the operation was conducted at the district hospital, where the procedure is done free of cost.

Bhattacharyya said he had ordered a probe. “If proved guilty, the surgeon (Seth) will face disciplinary action.”