Negligence: Gujarat Medical Council suspends doctor for three months

Ahmedabad: Taking action against a Surat-based doctor from Guru Nanak Hospital, the Gujarat Medical Council (GMC) has suspended his licence for three months for his alleged negligent approach while treating a patient, who ultimately died.

Even though the patient, who was initially taken to the hospital for treatment of common cold and fever, was physically weak, saline bottles were administered to her. Consequently, her condition worsened resulting in heart failure.

The Gujarat Medical Council (GMC), decided on suspension after the panel comprising the president of the Council Dr. Nitin Vora questioned the treating doctor and opined that the casual treatment approach on the part of the doctor resulted in the death of the patient, adds TOI.

Therefore, the treating doctor is now facing cancellation of his license for medical practice for three months. According to a GMC statement, the registration of the treating doctor was revoked on Friday based on a complaint by the mother of the deceased patient.

Also read- Patient's Death Case At GMCH Chandigarh: No Medical Negligence, Says Hospital Panel

As per the latest media report by the Times of India, the matter goes back to January 07, when the patient was admitted to the Guru Nanak Hospital for a common cold and fever. The treating doctor diagnosed the patient with tuberculosis. Consequently, the patient was administered 4-5 injections and seven saline bottles.

It was alleged by the complainant that another doctor while checking the patient previously had mentioned that the girl was physically weak. The concerned doctor had also warned about the possibility of heart failure if the patient was administered saline.

The complainant alleged that even though this instruction was conveyed to the treating doctor and the staff of the hospital, saline bottles were administered to the girl.

In her complaint, the patient's mother mentioned that the condition of her daughter gradually worsened on January 8. However, the staff of the hospital allegedly took no action. 

Following this, on January 9, the girl started having difficulty in breathing and when she could not move to the washroom, the treating doctor was called immediately. Consequently, the treating doctor performed CPR. However, the patient suffered heart failure.

Although she was transferred to Surat-based Unique Hospital and was placed on a ventilator, she could not be saved and declared dead on January 10.

Based on the complaint of the deceased patient's mother, the GMC panel led by its president interviewed the treating doctor. Consequently, the panel opined that the treating doctor's casual treatment approach resulted in the death of the patient. Therefore, taking action against the doctor, the Council suspended his licence for medical practice for three months. 

Also read- Newborn Dies After C-Section: Doctor Accused Of Medical Negligence, Booked