IPC 304A: 4 doctors, 3 Paramedics booked for death of 10-month-old boy suffering from cold, hospital loses registration

Durg: The district health authorities of Chhatisgarh's Durg have taken strict action against a private hospital, its doctors and paramedical staff for the alleged negligence while treating a 10-month-old boy, who was suffering from cold and cough and died during the treatment.

While four doctors and three paramedical personnel of the private hospital have been booked for alleged negligence, the district health authorities have also cancelled the registration of the hospital and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on its management following the incident, the police officials have informed PTI on Thursday.

The action from the District health officials came after a team of health officials investigated the issue and found the doctors and paramedical staff of the hospital negligent in their treatment. 

The matter concerned the 10-month-old baby boy Shivansh Verma who had been admitted to Siddhi Vinayak Hospital in Sirsa Gate in Old Bhilai area on October 17, 2022 for treatment of cold and cough. However, he succumbed during treatment on October 31.

Consequently, the grandfather of the deceased child lodged a complaint and alleged negligence against the doctors and paramedical staff of the hospital.

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"The child's grandfather Mahesh Verma, a native of Devbaloda village, lodged a complaint the next day of negligence against the doctors and staff. Subsequently, Durg Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) JP Meshram constituted a team of health officials to probe the incident," said Chhawani City Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar.

"The probe by the health officials found negligence on the part of Dr Samit Raj Prasad, Dr Durga Soni, Dr Hariram Yadu and Dr Girish Sahu and three paramedical staff Vibha Sahu, Aarti Sahu and Nirmala Yadav of Siddhi Vinayak hospital," the CSP said.

Based on the probe report, the seven persons will be booked under Indian Penal Code section 304A (causing death by negligence), the CSP said, adding that no one has been arrested in the matter as yet.

"The registration of the hospital has been cancelled and a fine of Rs 20,000 has been imposed on its management," CMHO Dr Meshram said.

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