Wrong Tooth Removed? Srinagar Dental College Doctor Suspended Amid Inquiry

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- A controversy has erupted at the governmentdental College (GDC) in Srinagar after a patient alleged that a doctor extracted the wrong tooth during a procedure. The incident, which has sparked public outrage, led to the suspension of the involved doctor and the formation of a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter.
The patient, Nadeem Ahmad, claimed that the doctor mistakenly removed his healthy upper right tooth instead of the problematic lower right tooth. Following the procedure, Ahmad took to social media to share his ordeal, which quickly garnered widespread attention and criticism from the public.
In response to the allegations, the Principal of GDC Srinagar, Professor Aijaz Shah, confirmed that the doctor involved in the incident has been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry.“A three-member committee, led by a senior professor and including the Medical Superintendent and Administrative Officer, has been formed to investigate the matter. The committee has been directed to submit its findings within three days,” Dr. Shah stated.
He further emphasized that GDC Srinagar is committed to providing the best possible care to its patients and assured that there would be no compromise on patient care under any circumstances.

Dr. Meeran, the suspended doctor, speaking to Kashmir Observer, explained that the patient presented with his assistant professor, and the case had been discussed with the consultant, Dr. Altaf, who had devised a treatment plan. Dr. Meeran said he was asked to extract the upper right tooth.

ADVERTISEMENT

He described the procedure, noting that he asked the patient which tooth was bothering him, and the patient pointed to the upper tooth. Dr. Meeran administered anesthesia, with the patient's attendant and his own assistant present. He claims the patient was satisfied after the extraction and left without complaint. He expressed surprise at the later accusation of extracting the wrong tooth, especially since the patient had indicated the upper tooth and didn't object during the anesthesia process. Dr. Meeran also highlighted that the consultant had confirmed the extractions were correct, but the patient later changed his statement. He performs numerous extractions daily and questions why only this case is being scrutinized. He maintains implied consent was obtained.

ADVERTISEMENT

“During anesthesia, the patient's attendant was present, as was my anesthesia assistant. If the patient had any concerns, he could have stopped me at that stage. The extraction went smoothly, and the patient did not express any discomfort at the time. Later in the day, I received a call claiming that the wrong tooth had been extracted. However, my consultant, Dr. Altaf, reviewed the case and confirmed that the extraction was correct,” the suspended doctor said.

Dr. Altaf Hussain Malik, Assistant Professor at the Dental College, corroborated Dr. Meeran's account. He explained that Nadeem Basheer presented with pain and was examined by Dr. Meeran. Dr. Altaf stated that the upper third molar was malposed, while the lower right molar was carious but erupted. He explained that while the upper molar was sound, it was decided to extract it due to its position, a procedure known as therapeutic extraction. He emphasized that such extractions are sometimes necessary to prevent future problems, like infections or discomfort.

Read Also Video: GDC Reacts To Wrong Tooth Extraction GDC Srinagar Celebrates Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Day

He defended Dr. Meeran's qualifications and experience, stating he has full faith in him and that the doctor acted according to accepted practice.

“Dr. Meeran documented the procedure and even gave the extracted tooth to the patient. He cautioned against rushing to judgment without considering the doctor's qualifications and the rationale behind the extraction,” he said. He reiterated that not all sound teeth are extracted, but sometimes malposed or impacted teeth are removed for the patient's benefit.

Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group : Join Now

Be Part of Quality Journalism

Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast.

ACT NOW

MONTHLY	Rs 100
YEARLY	Rs 1000
LIFETIME	Rs 10000

CLICK FOR DETAILS

MENAFN15022025000215011059ID1109211027