Kathmandu, February 25

Nepal Medical Council has decided to investigate the wrong-site surgery case at  the Thapathali-based Norvic International Hospital.

The ethical committee meeting of the council today took a decision to this effect.

Bindu Poudel, 38, of Chitwan was admitted to Norvic  International Hospital for treatment of ligament injury to her left leg.

She underwent surgery on Friday. However, her relatives later complained that doctors involved in her treatment had operated on the  right leg instead of the left.

“We have sought clarification and sent a letter to doctors involved in the case. We have also asked the doctor to be appear in person at the council on February 27,” said Dr Dilip Sharma, registrar at the council.

The council will discuss the issue with experts and initiate legal action against the hospital and those involved in the surgery as per their recommendation.

“We will take actions as per the council’s rules and regulations,” added Dr Sharma.

The hospital administration after knowing that the patient was operated on the wrong leg had signed a four-point agreement with the patient’s family.

As per the agreement, the hospital has promised not to repeat the mistake in future. It has also agreed to operate on the patient’s left leg and provide free treatment if the patient faces complications related to the leg.

The hospital has decided to issue a free treatment card to the patient for the purpose. In addition, the hospital has also agreed to hire experts from other hospitals for her treatment, if required.

Similarly, the hospital has agreed to bear all expenses if the patient needs to be taken to a foreign country for treatment.