Rusty Scissors Break During OT at SSKM Hospital, Doctor Says “Not the First Time”
A troubling incident at Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital has sparked discussions about the quality of surgical instruments used in public hospitals. On October 22, while performing a C-section on a pregnant patient, Dr. Rashmi Chatterjee, a junior doctor at SSKM, encountered a serious issue. As she attempted to make the initial incision, the rusty surgical scissors she was using broke mid-operation, forcing her to switch instruments to complete the surgery. Both the mother and newborn were unharmed, but the incident raises significant questions about the hospital’s safety protocols and equipment standards.
Dr. Chatterjee shared images of the broken scissors on social media, where they quickly gained attention. She revealed that this wasn’t the first time she had witnessed surgical equipment failure at SSKM. According to her, previous incidents have involved broken surgical knives and scissors during other operations. She mentioned having verbally reported the matter to the operating room’s Sister-in-Charge but expressed frustration that no action had been taken to improve the situation. Dr. Chatterjee’s social media post was shared widely by her fellow junior doctors, sparking a broader conversation about the quality of medical tools in government hospitals.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Chatterjee recounted the October 22 event, noting that while she immediately notified the Sister-in-Charge and replaced the broken scissors with a new pair, she was deeply concerned about the incident’s potential consequences. The junior doctor explained that if the defective scissors had harmed the patient, it could have led to severe complications, including internal injuries. She added that such occurrences are not uncommon in SSKM’s operating rooms, raising serious concerns about patient safety and the potential risks that substandard equipment poses.
Junior doctors at SSKM and other government hospitals have voiced their frustration over these persistent issues. They argue that subpar instruments are not only a risk to patient safety but also jeopardize the doctors’ ability to provide quality care. The doctors have requested a permanent solution and raised these concerns with the hospital administration. Although they reportedly reached out to the health department, no response has been received yet.
This incident follows a similar case at RG Kar Medical College, where stained surgical gloves were sent for use in operations. It was later alleged that the stains were from blood, sparking widespread condemnation. West Bengal Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam directed the Central Medical Store to investigate this incident. This background of repeated equipment-related complaints underscores the need for urgent reforms in the state’s healthcare system.
Dr. Chatterjee remarked on the potential hazards of operating with rusty or damaged tools, stating, “Using rusty scissors for surgeries could cause serious injuries, especially during critical operations.” She hopes that sharing her experience will prompt the necessary changes in equipment standards and safety protocols at SSKM and other facilities across the state.
The situation has raised concerns not only among medical professionals but also among patients and their families, who rely on these hospitals for essential healthcare services. Many now question whether the state’s healthcare system is equipped to handle complex medical procedures safely. Public pressure continues to mount as the junior doctors’ social media posts circulate, highlighting the importance of hospital hygiene, equipment quality, and accountability within the healthcare system.