Panaji/Valpoi: The Public Health Department has suspended the services of Dr Yavanti Gawde, Medical Officer, Community Health Centre, Valpoi, with immediate effect in connection with a case of medical negligence where an 11-year-old boy’s leg was amputated.The suspension order was issued on the basis of preliminary observations of the internal committee which indicated medical negligence by the doctor.The boy was brought to the accident department of the health center at 3.30 pm on April 27 with a complaint of fall and injury to his left leg.Gawde, the medical officer on duty, examined him and advised X-ray of the left leg and this revealed a non-displaced closed fracture of the left fibula.Plaster slab placement was advised as part of the initial management, and the slab was applied by Suresh, a multi tasking staff member who was assisting orthopedic residents appointed from the GMC and acting in the capacity of orthopedic assistant.On April 28 at 6.15 pm, the patient was again brought to the emergency department of the health center with complaints of fever, vomiting and drowsiness and was examined and immediately referred to GMC.At the GMC, it was revealed that the boy had swollen toes and the affected limb had to be amputated due to gangrene.The internal committee, after detailed discussion and review of records, found that the plaster slab procedure was performed by the supporting staff without adequate direct supervision and documented reassessment by the treating medical officer and that immediate orthopedic consultation/referral could have been considered at an early stage, keeping in mind the age of the patient and the fracture-related risks.The Public Health Department order said, “…the Government has decided to suspend indefinitely the services of Dr. Yavanti Gawde, Medical Officer, Community Health Centre, Valpoi, with immediate effect, pending the completion of a detailed investigation of the matter by a committee of experts. She will not be entitled to any remuneration and allowances during the said period.”