M.D. Medicine Doctor fined for calling himself a Cardiologist

Can a M.D. Medicine Doctor practise as a Cardiologist ?

In the case of Goyal Hospital & Research Centre Pvt. Ltd., Jodhpur & ors, V/s. Kishan Shukla (R.P. No.4023/2011), the National Commission was dealing with the aforesaid question and the answer was in negative. A doctor must have valid and recognised specialised qualification.

Facts :
Allegations :
1) The deceased wife of the Complainant No.2 was diagnosed as valvular disease of the heart and was further directed to take treatment of a Cardiologist. Dr. Goyal, who claimed himself a Cardiologist, conducted tests pertaining to heart problems on the patient and diagnosed her as Mitral Stenosis with Mitral Regurgitation (MS with MR) and started treatment. In the meantime of her treatment, she became pregnant. As there was no improvement in her health, she was further referred to another Cardiologist, who advised urgent hospitalization and further undergo delivery operation at the earliest, as it was her 8th month of pregnancy. She delivered a baby boy, but her condition deteriorated and she was shifted to ICU, where she she was declared as dead in next morning, but no relative was allowed to see her.
Defense :
1) Dr. Goyal never denied the fact that “Consultant Physician and Cardiologist” has been printed on his prescription. Nevertheless he gave best possible treatment to the deceased. Gynecologist and Anesthesiologist also claimed that they performed their duties well.

Held :
1. The National commission relied upon the observations of The State Commission which after perusing entire record and evidence rejected the appeal of the petitioners and observed that Dr. Goyal was not a Cardiologists and it was the duty of Goyal Hospital to make available Cardiologist at the time of operation of patient suffering from such serious ailment. After the delivery option, not allowing relatives to go inside and meet also create doubts.