Assam Doctor Investigated for Performing 21 Emergency C Sections in 10 Hours
A senior gynaecologist at Morigaon Civil Hospital in Assam is under scrutiny after carrying out 21 emergency C section deliveries within a single 10 hour shift Health officials have demanded detailed case documentation amid concerns about patient safety and sterilisation practices .
Background of the Incident
On September 5 and 6 2025 Dr Kantheswar Bordoloi a senior gynaecologist and the Senior Medical Officer at Morigaon Civil Hospital performed 21 emergency lower segment caesarean sections between 3 40 pm on September 5 and 1 50 am on September 6 The unusually high number of surgeries within such a short period immediately drew the attention of district health officials .
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Formal Show Cause Notice
Soon after the incident the district health authority issued a show cause notice to Dr Bordoloi He was asked to submit a comprehensive report for each of the 21 cases within three days The hospital administration specifically instructed him to clarify whether sterilisation procedures were properly followed provide documentation of any foetal distress incidents explain details of newborn care in the Sick Neonatal Care Unit and outline the roles of the medical staff assisting in the operations Authorities also raised concerns about inadequate pre operative and post operative documentation which they believe could pose risks related to infection control and maternal or infant complications .
Doctor’s Explanation
Dr Bordoloi defended his actions stating that handling multiple surgeries in a short span of time is not unusual in public hospitals across India He explained that an uncomplicated C section can be completed in as little as 15 minutes and the hospital has two operating tables which allows alternating sterilisation without compromising safety According to him 19 of the 21 mothers and newborns were discharged in stable condition while two remained hospitalised including one patient transferred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital He also suggested that the notice may have been triggered by a complaint from someone .
Broader Context
This case comes at a time when India is witnessing a sharp rise in C section deliveries National data shows that the rate has increased from around 17 percent in 1998 99 to more than 21 percent in recent years Studies indicate that women from urban areas with better education and financial resources are more likely to undergo surgical deliveries The World Health Organisation has already warned of a caesarean epidemic stressing that rates beyond 10 to 15 percent do not bring additional benefits Instead they may increase short and long term risks for mothers and infants while also putting pressure on health care costs Adding to the concerns about oversight in Assam only a month earlier a fake doctor was arrested after performing more than 50 C sections and gynaecological surgeries over a decade .
Potential Consequences and Implications
The outcome of the investigation into Dr Bordoloi will decide whether disciplinary action or other measures are necessary If evidence points to negligence or breach of medical protocol authorities could take strict steps The case highlights deeper systemic challenges such as staff shortages overwhelming patient loads documentation lapses and sterilisation worries in government hospitals It also stresses the urgent need for protocol driven practices particularly in emergency obstetric care .
Conclusion
Dr Kantheswar Bordoloi now finds himself under intense scrutiny after carrying out 21 emergency C sections in just 10 hours While he maintains that his actions were both safe and necessary health authorities are demanding detailed records to ensure accountability and protect maternal and neonatal health The investigation could influence future policies on emergency surgical practices hospital staffing standards and the management of critical maternal care in India .