Morigaon Civil Hospital Faces Probe After 21 C-Section Deliveries in 10 Hours

Morigaon Civil Hospital has come under official scrutiny after an alarming sequence of emergency surgeries revealed that 21 lower segment caesarean sections (LSCS) were conducted in just 10 hours in a single operating theatre. The procedures, carried out by Dr. Kantheswar Bordoloi, Senior Medical & Health Officer, occurred between 3:40 PM on September 5 and 1:50 AM on September 6, 2025. The high frequency of surgeries raised serious questions about adherence to medical standards, patient safety, and surgical protocols.

Following the revelations, the Office of the District Commissioner, Morigaon, issued a show-cause notice. The Additional District Commissioner (Health), Nitisha Bora, personally inspected the maternity wing on September 6 and served a notice to Dr. Bordoloi demanding a detailed explanation regarding the unusual surge of surgical cases. The inquiry aims to examine multiple facets of the incident, including workload management, strict compliance with medical protocols, and the accuracy and completeness of surgical documentation. Authorities are particularly concerned with whether proper sterilization and procedural standards were maintained, as any lapses could have serious repercussions for patient health.

The notice requires Dr. Bordoloi to submit comprehensive information regarding each of the 21 operations. This includes case-specific details, patient preparation protocols prior to surgery, sterilization measures applied, and verification of compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) for surgical instruments. The inquiry also demands documentation of emergency justifications for performing C-sections on high-risk or critically ill patients, as well as the roles and responsibilities of all assisting staff during the procedures.

Inspection of the hospital records revealed lapses in preoperative and postoperative documentation. These deficiencies raised concerns regarding infection control, patient monitoring, and overall safety management. Proper documentation is critical, as it ensures that maternal and neonatal morbidity is minimized, provides accountability for medical staff, and maintains compliance with recognized medical standards. Incomplete records, inconsistent sterilization practices, or deviations from procedural protocols could indicate negligence or compromise patient safety, thereby inviting administrative and legal scrutiny.

The central question of the inquiry is whether all required sterilization, preparation, and procedural protocols were strictly followed during this extraordinary surgical sequence. If the hospital staff adhered rigorously to protocols, the case could be seen as an exceptional demonstration of medical dedication and efficiency under extreme circumstances. However, any procedural lapses or shortcuts could have serious implications for both patient welfare and the accountability of hospital administration.

Dr. Bordoloi has been directed to submit detailed reports, explanations, and justifications for all 21 surgeries within three days. The investigation will determine whether the incident reflects medical heroism under pressure or a failure to maintain essential safety and procedural standards. The findings are expected to guide further administrative actions, ensure compliance with health regulations, and safeguard the welfare of patients.

Overall, the incident has prompted a broader discussion on the challenges of high-volume surgical procedures in emergency settings, highlighting the importance of workload management, adherence to SOPs, meticulous record-keeping, and safeguarding patient safety even in high-pressure environments. The inquiry at Morigaon Civil Hospital serves as a critical reminder of the need for strict compliance with medical protocols to prevent potential harm to mothers and newborns.