Team Goemkarponn
The Goa government has indefinitely suspended a Medical Officer posted at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Valpoi, following preliminary findings in a serious case of alleged medical negligence that resulted in the amputation of an 11-year-old boy’s leg at Goa Medical College (GMC).
As per the Health Department, the child was brought to CHC Valpoi on April 27 after sustaining a fall injury to his left leg. An X-ray revealed an undisplaced closed fracture of the left fibula. A plaster slab was subsequently applied to the injured limb at the facility.
However, the following day, the boy’s condition deteriorated, and he returned to the CHC with symptoms including fever, vomiting, and drowsiness. He was immediately referred to GMC for advanced treatment.
At GMC, the child reportedly developed severe swelling of the toes, which progressed to gangrene. Doctors were forced to amputate the affected limb to save his life.
An internal inquiry committee observed that the plaster application was done by assisting staff without adequate direct supervision of the Medical Officer. The panel also noted lapses in proper reassessment and monitoring of the patient after initial treatment.
Following the preliminary report, the government ordered the Medical Officer’s suspension with immediate effect, pending a detailed expert-level investigation into the incident.
