Hospital authorities at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities in Chamiana, Shimla, have issued show-cause notices to sanitation workers and their supervisor after a stray dog was seen carrying an amputated human leg inside the hospital campus. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, prompting immediate administrative action.

According to a fact-finding committee formed by hospital management, the amputated limb belonged to a patient who had undergone an above-knee amputation on February 19 under the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery department. The limb had reportedly been sealed in a biomedical waste bag and stored in the designated waste facility for disposal by an authorised contractor.

However, on the night of February 21, sanitation staff allegedly left the door of the biomedical waste storage area open while transferring materials. During that time, a stray dog is believed to have entered the premises, removed the limb from the packaging, and carried it away. An empty biomedical waste bag was later discovered outside the facility.

The following day, the dog was again seen roaming the hospital grounds with the amputated limb in its mouth, alarming patients, visitors and staff. Security personnel attempted to retrieve the remains, but the animal reportedly became aggressive and fled.

Hospital authorities confirmed that show-cause notices have been issued to the sanitation workers involved, and further disciplinary action will depend on their responses. A three-member committee has been established to investigate procedural lapses and recommend corrective measures. Officials have also directed the sanitation contractor and the biomedical waste disposal agency to strictly comply with waste management protocols.

The incident has raised serious concerns regarding biomedical waste handling practices and oversight at the facility.