The authorities in central Assam’s Morigaon district have issued a show-cause notice to a senior gynaecologist for performing 21 “emergency lower segment caesarian section” or C-section operations within 10 hours.
The notice, signed by Additional District Commissioner (Health) Nitisha Bora, followed allegations of non-compliance with sterilisation and protocols related to the safety of mothers and the newborns. It was served to Kantheswar Bordoloi, the Senior Medical and Health Officer at the Morigaon Civil Hospital on September 6.
According to the notice, Dr. Bordoloi performed 21 C-section deliveries between 3:40 p.m. on September 5 and 1:50 a.m. on September 6 at the hospital’s operating theatre.
“This raises a few serious concerns and hence, in this regard, you are hereby directed to submit a comprehensive report for each of the above-mentioned cases,” the notice read.
The doctor was asked to submit reports of each C-section performed, detailing case preparation and specifying the standard operating procedures followed for the sterilisation of surgical instruments, documentation of any foetal distress cases, and the roles and duties of assisting staff.
The notice also said preoperative and postoperative notes were not adequately maintained during a review of the case records. “Such detailed documentation is imperative for strengthening infection control protocols and for preventing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality,” it read, asking the doctor to reply within three days.
Defending his performance, Dr. Bordoloi said he was experienced and competent enough to handle multiple surgeries within a short time. He told the presspersons in Morigaon that surgeries at such a pace are not unusual in the medical world.
He explained that a C-section takes 15-25 minutes, depending on the degree of complication. He also said the hospital’s operating theatre has two tables, allowing sterilisation to be alternated without compromising on the safety of the mother and baby.
Dr. Bordoloi also said 19 of the 21 mothers and infants were discharged in a stable condition, while two remained hospitalised.
Published – September 09, 2025 10:51 pm IST
