Doctor given police protection after fans of late Kannada actor allege medical negligence

Puneeth had consulted Ramana Rao at his clinic the day he succumbed to a massive heart attack on October 29.

The actor had gone to the doctor complaining of tiredness and after an electrocardiogram (ECG), Dr Rao had found that his heart beat pattern was strained. Further, Bengaluru Central Deputy Commissioner of Police MN Anucheth told media personnel that Puneeth was profusely sweating during the consultation. Following this, he immediately advised Puneeth to rush to Vikram Hospital, which is where Puneeth later breathed his last.

Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) had recently written a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai urging him to provide protection to Dr Ramana Rao.

"PHANA is deeply concerned with the way healthcare is being portrayed in the media and public following the death of Puneeth Rajkumar. While we share the grief and shock of losing an young and popular actor, the turn of events post this are sad and calls for your immediate attention," PHANA president Prasanna H.M. urged Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

"We strongly oppose the attempts by the public to point fingers at the treating physicians, especially Ramana Rao who did his best. After all, we know that medical profession has its limitations and saving lives is not always possible. Else, no one would be dying," he was quoted as saying by IANS.

Prasanna also urged Bommai to make a public statement to boost the morale of the medical fraternity. "Kindly provide police protection to safeguard Ramana Rao and the medical professionals involved in the treatment of Puneeth Rajkumar," he pleaded.

Prasanna further said that visual and social media platforms are carrying narratives blaming lack of care by the medical professionals for the untimely demise of the popular actor.

"This kind of judgemental and hyper critical media frenzy is creating distrust in the society besides risking the lives of the medical professionals who served the deceased," he stated.

Attempts by fans and well-wishers to discuss the medical condition of the deceased person is gross violation of the healthcare policy and this can't be encouraged, he added.

Now, Bengaluru Central Deputy Commissioner of Police MN Anucheth confirmed to The News Minute that police have been deployed for Dr Rao's protection and said, "We have given adequate protection to him."

According to Bengaluru City Police, a KSRP platoon has been deployed outside the residence and clinic of Dr Ramana Rao at Sadashivanagar. "We are closely monitoring the situation near these areas with intensified patrolling to avoid any untoward incident," senior officer told The Indian Express.