Sundargarh: In a stern action over alleged burn injuries inflicted on a woman during a caesarean section (C-section), the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer (CDMO), Dr S.C. Mohanty, has directed a private hospital in Sundargarh to shut down indefinitely.

The closure order was issued to New Life Multi-Specialty Hospital, where the woman, identified as Sonali Satpathy, underwent the surgery. The hospital will cease operations from June 11 following an inquiry into the incident.

In addition, the CDMO has cancelled the private practice licence of Dr Pushpamitra Bhitaria, who performed the C-section in April. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against Ayush doctor Manoranjan Das, who assisted in the operation.

According to reports, Sonali Satpathy, accompanied by her husband Ashish Panda, had initially visited the Sundargarh District Headquarters Hospital as her expected delivery date approached. An obstetrician and gynaecologist (O&G) there allegedly advised the couple to admit her to his private nursing home in Sundargarh town on April 10.

Satpathy delivered a baby boy and was discharged on April 14 after undergoing a C-section performed by the doctor with assistance from another practitioner.

However, after returning home, she reportedly discovered burn injuries on her private parts and thigh region. As the pain and burning sensation persisted, the couple confronted the doctors, who allegedly admitted the injuries were caused due to an accidental explosion of a diathermy device, an electromagnetic instrument used in surgical procedures.

Subsequently, Satpathy was admitted to the IGH, where doctors informed the couple that multiple layers of her skin had been damaged and she might require plastic surgery.

The couple filed a complaint at the Sundargarh Town Police Station on May 15. Further investigation into the case is currently underway.