VALPOI: The Goa government has indefinitely suspended a medical officer posted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Valpoi in North Goa after a preliminary inquiry indicated alleged medical negligence in the treatment of an 11-year-old boy whose leg was later amputated due to gangrene, officials said on Monday.
According to an order issued by the Public Health Department, the case pertains to a 11-year-old boy, who was first brought to CHC Valpoi on April 27, 2026 after suffering a fall and injury to his left leg.
The inquiry report stated that the boy was examined by Dr Yavanti Gawade, the medical officer on duty, and an X-ray revealed an “undisplaced closed fracture of the left fibula”.
As part of the initial treatment, a plaster slab was advised and applied by a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) employee, identified as Suresh, who had reportedly been assisting orthopaedic residents deputed from Goa Medical College (GMC) and was functioning as an orthopaedic assistant.
The order further stated that the boy was again brought to the casualty department of CHC Valpoi on April 28, 2026 with complaints of fever, vomiting and drowsiness, following which he was referred to Goa Medical College, Bambolim near here for further treatment.
Information obtained from doctors at GMC revealed that the patient developed edema in the toes and subsequently underwent amputation of the affected limb due to gangrene, the order reads.
The internal committee constituted to probe the matter observed that the plaster slab procedure was carried out by assisting staff “without adequate direct supervision and documented reassessment by the treating medical officer”. It also noted that urgent orthopaedic consultation or referral could have been considered at the initial stage considering the patient’s age and fracture-related risks.
The government order said the observations of the committee indicated an “act of medical negligence” by Dr Gawade.
The state government has suspended the doctor with immediate effect pending completion of a detailed inquiry by a committee of experts. The order stated that she would not be entitled to remuneration and allowances during the suspension period.
