A senior NHS doctor is facing a major investigation after performing a staggering 67 caesarean operations in just one month while working in India, raising alarm bells about patient safety and medical ethics.
The consultant, who normally works within Britain's National Health Service, undertook the extraordinary number of surgical procedures during a placement at a hospital in Assam, northeastern India. The case has prompted urgent reviews by both UK medical authorities and Indian health officials.
Unprecedented Surgical Numbers
Medical records reveal the doctor conducted 67 caesarean sections in August alone at the Tezpur Medical College and Hospital. This figure represents more than two major surgeries per day throughout the entire month, far exceeding normal medical practice guidelines.
Local health officials became concerned when reviewing theatre logs and patient records. The average consultant in the UK typically performs between 10-20 elective caesareans monthly alongside other duties.
Patient Safety Concerns
The case has raised serious questions about whether such a high volume of major abdominal surgeries could compromise patient care and recovery times. Medical experts have expressed concern about the physical toll on both patients and the surgeon performing consecutive operations.
"Performing this number of major surgeries in such a short timeframe is highly unusual and raises red flags about decision-making and patient welfare," said a senior NHS consultant who asked to remain anonymous.
Cross-Border Investigation
Both UK and Indian medical authorities have launched parallel investigations into the case. The General Medical Council (GMC) is examining whether the doctor's actions breached professional standards, while Indian health officials are reviewing patient outcomes and surgical decisions.
The doctor has been temporarily removed from clinical duties pending the outcome of the investigations. Medical professionals have emphasised that caesarean sections should only be performed when medically necessary, as they carry significant risks including infection, blood loss, and complications in future pregnancies.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about surgical practices and patient safety in maternity services across both countries, and may lead to stricter guidelines for surgeons working abroad.
