Health Office seeks clarification from KG Hospital over woman’s death following kidney surgery

Dhangadhi: The Kailali Health Office has initiated an investigation into the death of 50-year-old Samani Chaudhary of Kanchanpur following kidney surgery at KG Hospital in Dhangadhi.

The Health Office has sought a written explanation from the hospital after questions were raised over the involvement of urologist Dr. Arun Pandey, who is working at Seti Provincial Hospital under a scholarship contract, in the surgery.

On Monday, the Kailali Health Office sent a three-point letter to the hospital directing it to submit documents related to Chaudhary’s treatment and surgery. The letter states that although emergency surgical services can be provided according to the standards for operating health institutions, clarification is required regarding the provision of specialist services.

The office has requested copies of all documents related to Chaudhary’s treatment, including details of the type of surgery performed on her.

Similarly, the hospital has been asked to provide the names, educational qualifications, Nepal Medical Council numbers and contact details of all doctors and health workers involved in the surgery. It has also been directed to submit a copy of the agreement made with Dr. Arun Pandey through a letter.

According to Surya Bista, coordinator for monitoring private health institutions at the Health Office, the hospital has been given three days to submit written responses on the three issues.

Bista said that after the hospital submits its clarification, the office will study the documents and determine the further process regarding the incident.

Chaudhary, a resident of Krishnapur, Kanchanpur, was admitted to KG Hospital for treatment last Thursday. She died after undergoing surgery for kidney stones.

Following the incident, it was also revealed that the hospital had settled the matter by paying Rs 2.2 million to the family of the deceased.