From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, May 26: A woman from Umden, who had gone to Nongpoh Civil Hospital to deliver her baby on May 10, was left shocked and traumatised after a surgical sponge was expelled from her body on May 25 — eleven days after she had been discharged.
She had returned home on May 14 in seemingly stable condition. However, while using the toilet on May 25, she experienced severe discomfort and expelled what was later identified as a surgical sponge — presumably left inside her body during the delivery procedure. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about medical negligence at the government hospital.
Following the woman’s complaint, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Nongpoh Circle, sprang into action, demanding an immediate inquiry and strict punishment against the hospital staff responsible for the alleged lapse.
On Monday, KSU leaders met the Medical Superintendent of Nongpoh Civil Hospital, Dr D Blah, to seek a detailed explanation. KSU leader Rishot Lapang told reporters that the Union had first visited the hospital on Sunday after receiving the complaint, but due to the absence of officials, they had to return the following day to follow up on the matter.
During the meeting, Blah reportedly admitted there had been a lapse on the part of the hospital staff and assured the Union that serious disciplinary action would be taken. She also promised that corrective measures would be implemented to ensure such incidents do not recur in future.
The KSU has strongly reiterated its call for accountability in public healthcare institutions and urged the hospital administration to take swift and transparent action.