A disturbing video from Shimla has sparked outrage after a stray dog was seen carrying an amputated human leg near the premises of the state-run Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities at Chamiyana. The visuals, which quickly went viral on social media, prompted immediate action from hospital authorities and raised serious questions about medical waste management practices.
According to officials, the amputated limb belonged to 61-year-old Attar Singh, who underwent surgery at the hospital last Thursday. Doctors had surgically removed his leg as part of the treatment procedure. After the operation, hospital staff reportedly placed the severed limb inside an envelope and kept it in a designated store room. The sanitation agency was informed and instructed to dispose of the biomedical waste in accordance with protocol.
However, the inquiry revealed a critical lapse. On February 22, staff members allegedly forgot to lock the store room door. At some point afterward, a stray dog entered the unlocked room, picked up the amputated limb, and walked out of the hospital premises unnoticed. The shocking moment was captured on video and circulated widely over the past few days, leading to public anger and embarrassment for the institution.
An internal investigation confirmed negligence in securing the storage area and in supervising biomedical waste disposal. Officials described the incident as a serious breach of protocol. Proper handling and disposal of human tissue is mandatory in healthcare facilities to prevent health hazards and maintain public trust. The fact that an animal could access surgical waste has intensified scrutiny of safety procedures at the hospital.
Following the probe, the management of the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities issued show-cause notices to the sanitation supervisor and sanitation workers responsible for the disposal process. Authorities have stated that disciplinary action will be taken after reviewing their responses. Hospital sources also indicated that additional safeguards are being introduced, including stricter locking procedures, improved monitoring of storage rooms, and tighter oversight of sanitation operations.
The incident has triggered widespread criticism among residents and healthcare observers, who say such lapses damage the credibility of public health institutions. Many have called for stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that biomedical waste management rules are strictly followed.
Also Read
‘Who Sold the Nation?’: Nirmala Sitharaman Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi During Budget Debate
While officials have assured that corrective measures are underway, the episode serves as a stark reminder that even a moment of negligence in a medical setting can lead to serious consequences. Rebuilding public confidence will now be as important as enforcing disciplinary action against those found responsible.