BHU tragedy: Radhika Devi, 71-year-old, goes for spine tumour; doctors perform hip-replacement meant for Radhika Singh; woman dies

A shocking case of medical negligence has come to light at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Trauma Centre in Varanasi, where doctors performed a partial hip replacement surgery on the wrong patient.

71-year-old Radhika Devi, who was admitted for spinal tumour surgery from Ballia, was mistakenly taken into the operation theatre on March 7 instead of 82-year-old Radhika Singh, who was scheduled for hip replacement.

How the mix-up happened

As per TOI, according to records, Radhika Devi was on bed number 29 in the neuro department, while Radhika Singh was on bed number 17 in the orthopaedic department. Due to a failure in patient identification protocol by nursing staff and doctors, Radhika Devi was wheeled into the OT meant for the orthopaedic case.


After anaesthesia was administered, the orthopaedic team began the procedure. However, when the senior resident noticed that the operative site did not match the expected condition for the hip patient, the team was alerted. Nursing staff then realised the wrong patient had been brought in. The surgeons immediately stopped the operation, packed the incisions, and sent Radhika Devi back to the ward without informing her family.

Correct surgery and tragic outcome

Radhika Devi finally underwent the intended spinal tumour surgery on March 18 by the neuro department. However, she developed multiple complications following the procedures and the mental trauma. She passed away on March 28.

Radhika Devi Family's complaint

The matter came to light when Radhika Devi’s grandson, Mrityunjay Pal, filed a complaint with Prof SN Sankhwar, Director of the Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU. A report was sought from the trauma centre in-charge, Prof Saurabh Singh. Initially, a four-member committee was formed under the same orthopaedic doctor whose team had performed the wrong surgery. After the family raised objections, the committee chairman was changed to ensure a fair probe.

Prof Sankhwar told TOI that the chairman was replaced for transparency. The trauma centre in-charge confirmed that his report has been submitted, but declined to give further details as the investigation is ongoing.

Sources at the centre revealed that the inquiry so far has exposed serious lapses in patient identification protocols followed by surgery teams across departments.

The family is demanding strict action against those responsible for the negligence that ultimately led to the elderly woman’s death.

(With TOI inputs)