HYDERABAD, Feb 27: A four-member committee of doctors and professors has recommended departmental action against three doctors of the gynaecology ward of the Hyderabad Civil Hospital for their negligence while operating upon a pregnant woman last year.

The report was submitted to Sindh Health Minister Shabbir Ahmad Qaimkhani and Health Secretary Prof (Dr) Naushad Shaikh on Monday by hospital medical superintendent Dr Khalid Qureshi in Karachi.

The committee recorded statements of the three doctors and other staff members.

Dr Suneeta, Dr Sadaf and Dr Aftab Begum were found responsible for leaving a surgical instrument inside abdominal cavity of the woman, Shahzadi Shahida Sultana. The committee noted that the doctors had failed to ensure whether all surgical instruments had been counted after operation of the woman.

The committee also recommended refresher courses for doctors and other paramedical staff to create a surgical sense among them while dealing with any kind of surgery.

The committee, comprising Prof (Dr) Amna Memon, head of the department of gynaecology, Prof (Dr) Sattar Memon, Dr Jan Mohammad Shaikh and hospital additional medical superintendent Dr Saleem Raza Memon, said doctors should be made aware of the fact that due protocol was to be followed in case of any operation/surgery.