Paradip, Feb. 23: A sweeper employed at a community health centre in Kujang had to carry out stitching on an operated patient at the medical facility, sparking off public uproar in Jagatsinghpur district.

While obstetrics and gynaecology surgeon Pramod Kumar Nayak conducted the caesarean surgery on the patient, he left the highly skilled stitching job to the hospital sweeper, citing preoccupation of attending to other inpatients.

The patient, who was subjected to caesarean operation on February 20, is safe, said hospital sources. Besides, the childbirth was safe and hassle-free. Medical officer of the health centre Prasanna Kumar Panda claimed that the operated patient was healthy and safe. "The stitching done on the operated part of the body was medically examined, and it was found to be all right," he said.

As the alleged medical negligence on part of the surgeon evoked public protest, the district administration ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Jagatsinghpur MP Kulamani Samal said: "On being informed of the incident, I paid a visit to the hospital. I talked to the patient and hospital staff members. I am of the view that the allegations that a sweeper has conducted the stitching are true. This is indeed an unfortunate occurrence. The doctor, who skipped the duty, needs to be taken to task."

"A showcause notice has been served to the accused surgeon. From the preliminary inquiry conducted by us, it has been found that the doctor left the operation theatre in a hurry after conducting the caesarean surgery. If found guilty, the erring doctor would be penalised," said the medical officer.