In Kolkata, state-run SSKM Hospital’s push to cut backlog of gallstone cases: 200 surgeries in 4 days

Shormila Bibi’s case, in the main block of SSKM hospital, is one of many. The Indian Express spoke with other patients at SSKM and all of them expressed relief at receiving treatment.

Earlier, on Thursday, a 65-year-old woman patient was waiting,  her eyes twinkling with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. She was finally facing the surgery she’d been dreading. “Six months ago, they told us that a surgery was needed,” her son explained, his voice laced with a hint of relief. “And on Thursday, they called.”

Hours after coming out of the operating theatre, Begam Nasreen, a woman in her 30s, looked pale. “My stomach pain was becoming unbearable,” she said feebly.“Although it took them a while to schedule the surgery, it was eventually done and I feel better now.” she added.

Sulekha Ghosh, 40, of Howrah, was happy to collect her discharge summary after doctors gave her the green signal. “I am from Howrah district. I came here around two weeks ago, I don’t remember the exact date. Nearly a week ago, we were told that I needed an operation. We were told that I will be operated on Thursday. After the operation, it took me a few hours to overcome the pain and now I am able to walk.”

The hospital’s general surgery department has dedicated its resources solely to gallbladder stone operations from February 10-16, suspending other elective procedures to address the backlog of 400 cases, some stretching as far back as eight months to a year. Dr Siraj Ahmed, Assistant Professor of General Surgery, explained that this is the first time SSKM has undertaken such a large-scale initiative. The goal is to perform more than 300 procedures during this period.

Seven operating tables, each staffed by five medical professionals – surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses – work from 8 am to 6 pm, aiming for 30-45 procedures daily.  Over 70 per cent of the patients are women.

Dr Diptendra Sarkar, professor of surgery, explained the reasons behind the backlog.  “SSKM is the premier government hospital in eastern and northeastern India,” he said. “So, complicated cases naturally come here… We realised that if these cases waited too long, they too could become complicated. So, we decided to prioritise them for a week to tackle the backlog,” he told The Indian Express.