Health Bulletin 26/ November/ 2024

While exonerating a doctor accused of medical negligence while providing treatment to a pregnant woman, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) ruled that mere delay in registration with the State Medical Council, while being adequately qualified and having registration in the Indian Medical Register with the privilege to practice anywhere in India, does not amount to medical negligence or deficiency in service.

The history of the case goes back to 1994 when the complainant was in the early stages of her second pregnancy and sought consultation and treatment from the treating doctor- a gynaecologist. At that time, the doctor assured her that a normal delivery was expected. However, due to a delay beyond the expected delivery date, she was admitted to the treating hospital where the doctor was practising.

Tamil Nadu government doctors have planned to go on a day's mass casual leave in the third week of December to press their demands.

In a recent Press Release on 24.11.2024, the Tamil Nadu Service Doctors and Postgraduates Association further mentioned that to make the protest successful, SDPGA may join hands with other doctors' organisations.

In an unfortunate incident, an MBBS student from Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Science (CIMS), Bilaspur allegedly attempted suicide by slitting his wrist and neck in his hostel room after being allegedly publicly slapped by an assistant professor, as per a local media report. The student was immediately admitted to ICU due to his critical condition.

The Sootr report adds that the student was verbally abused and slapped by an assistant professor when he failed to answer his questions correctly. The incident gained attention on social media, particularly on the platform 'X' where some doctors and medical students highlighted the issue and expressed their concerns.

Police have arrested a 67-year-old man for duping parents of aspirants of crores of rupees by promising MBBS seats in a reputed Tamil Nadu medical college. The man reportedly pretended to be a priest to cheat people. He has now been arrested for allegedly running a scam by falsely promising MBBS seats under the staff quota at Vellore Medical College. The apprehended, Jacob Thomas of Koodal in Pathanamthitta, was arrested at the Chennai International Airport while attempting to flee to Malaysia.

Onmanorama Reports that Thomas introduced himself as a gospel worker and convinced families from Kerala and other states that he had close connections with Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, and an Anglican bishop.