Himachal Medical Officers' Association defends doctor after viral video sparks outcry

Referring to the alleged objectionable remark about the child, the association clarified that it was a misunderstanding arising from a misinterpretation of a medical term.

"Medical procedures such as digital rectal examinations were routine technical processes conducted on patients with their consent, and a misinterpretation of the medical terminology led to a viral video on social media that unfairly targeted the doctor," said Dr Vikas Thakur, General Secretary of HMOA, in a video posted on the association’s official handle on ‘X’.

Dr Thakur also highlighted that the accused doctor was not given an opportunity to present his side of the story. He pointed out that the matter should be heard from both perspectives.  

Also read- Chamba hospital doctor accused of obscene remark, probe ordered after viral video outrage

In a detailed statement, the association further stated that the doctor had been serving in the hospital with dedication and professionalism for the past several years. It described him as a committed and honest medical practitioner who performs emergency duties, oversees more than 50 national health programmes, and handles additional responsibilities such as post-mortems and inspections.

Despite the demanding workload, including 24 to 36-hour shifts, the doctor has consistently demonstrated diligence and competence, the association added. It also pointed out that Tissa Hospital currently has only three doctors against the sanctioned strength of sixteen, leaving the staff heavily overburdened.

The office-bearers further clarified, “At the time of the alleged incident, there was no direct one-on-one conversation between the doctor and the woman. All communication occurred between the nurse and medical officers.”

As per The Tribune media report, the association stressed that medical procedures such as digital rectal examinations were routine technical processes conducted on patients with their consent, and a misinterpretation of the medical terminology led to a viral video on social media that unfairly targeted the doctor.

Expressing concern over the social media backlash, the HMOA said, "It not only harmed the reputation of the doctor but also affected the morale of over 3,000 doctors working in various health institutions in Himachal Pradesh. We urge the public to recognise the challenges and pressures the medical professionals are facing, particularly in emergency and resource-limited settings."

“Chamba district has been recognised for its exemplary healthcare services, which the HMOA attributes to the leadership, dedication and hard work of doctors,” said an association member while appealing to the public to consider the broader context before concluding the conduct of a medical professional.

Medical Dialogues had reported on the viral video in which a woman alleged that a doctor from the Civil Hospital in Tissa made obscene and insensitive remarks during her visit for her daughter's treatment. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with people heavily criticising the doctor's alleged misbehaviour.

In the purported video, the woman said she had rushed her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter to the hospital as the child was suffering from a burning sensation in her private parts. Since the doctor was not present, the nurse on duty called him. However, when the woman insisted that the doctor come immediately, he allegedly responded with a highly objectionable remark about her daughter.

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