SHIMLA: Serious lapses in biomedical waste management have come to light at Atal Super Specialty Hospital, Chamiyana after a stray dog was seen carrying an amputated human limb within the hospital premises.
The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, left patients, attendants and hospital staff disturbed and raised concerns over safety and sanitation at the state’s flagship healthcare facility.
An internal inquiry by the hospital administration found that the limb was amputated during a major surgical procedure on February 17 and initially shifted to the designated biomedical waste disposal room.
However, by February 21, the door of the biomedical waste facility was left open, allowing a stray dog to enter and carry out the tissue.
The hospital officials said the disciplinary action has been taken against the sanitation workers responsible for securing the facility.
No action has so far been reported against senior officials, including the Medical Superintendent, who is responsible for enforcing standard operating procedures for biomedical waste management.
The incident has raised wider questions about the effectiveness of waste handling systems and supervision not only at this hospital but at other medical institutions as well.
For patients and families seeking treatment at the hospital, the episode has shaken confidence in basic safety protocols and oversight at public healthcare facilities in Shimla.
