From Routine Infection Treatment to Nightmare
Atikur Rahman, a 28-year-old who hails from the Jiribam district of Manipur, sought treatment for what he considered a trivial genital infection at a private hospital in Silchar, Assam. Like many patients, Rahman expected a simple examination and treatment. However, Dr. Eden Sinha from RE Hospital advised a biopsy, which was unexpected and unanticipated. In Rahman’s own words, he was assured that only a small tissue sample would be taken and that he would go home the same day.
Disturbing Changes Over Time
The nightmare began when he woke up with catheters and anesthesia still in his system. On discovering the surgical dressings, he underwent a shocking revelation of not just being treated for a ‘trivial’ ailment but rather undergoing a surgery against his consent where drastic measures were taken, including amputation of his genitalia. In his own words, he alleges that even after he and his wife signed the documents, they were never enlightened upon the details of the surgery nor its scope.
Doctor Unreachable, Hospital Silent
Attempts to reach Dr. Sinha postoperatively provided no answers, as he became unreachable, and due to scheduling conflicts, he could not be reached by Rahman while waiting for a flight to Mumbai. Attempts at contacting the hospital for further clarifications yielded no answers of value either. Catering to his side of things, Rahman states that upon finally getting in touch with the doctor, all he got was hostility and threats.
Legal Action and Public Outcry
Suffering immensely and feeling utterly powerless, Rahman reported Dr. Eden Sinha for a crime he allegedly committed while performing an operation on her by filing an FIR at Ghungoor Police Outpost. Moreover, he has sought the assistance of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Bishwa Sarma for help and justice. Public anger has been heightened by the fact that Silchar serves as an important medical treatment center. The startling allegations bring to the forefront a myriad of issues such as ethics in medicine, consent from patients, and the responsibilities of private hospitals.
Medical Ethics and Patient Rights in Focus
The case highlights the undeniable focus on informed consent for any surgical procedure that is performed. Rahman’s experience of being stuck with a permanent catheter with no doctor willing to help him bear the complications and the catheter coming out coupled with terrible pain demonstrates the unbearable effects of tormenting negligence. The outcome has led to calls for improvement in the control of private practice and the advocating of patients’ rights in addition to the ongoing investigation by the Cachar Police.
