Ludhiana doctor allegedly misrepresents patient's injuries as grevious in MLC, now facing action

Ludhiana: A private hospital doctor here is now facing heat from the authorities for allegedly misrepresenting a patient's injuries as grevious in a medico-legal case.

Civil Surgeon Dr Aulakh has accused the doctor at a private hospital in Ludhiana of misrepresenting a patient's and failing to adhere to the medico-legal guidelines set up by the court.   

Dr Aulakh highlighted several discrepancies in the doctor's report, including the absence of a medico-legal register (MLR) number, patient signature, injury timing, and weapon details in the report.

The incident concerns a patient named Daljit Singh who had an alleged history of assault and was handed over to the doctor after an FIR was registered on April 11. The doctor was asked to treat and examine the patient and provide the details to the police. 

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In the report submitted to the police, the doctor detailed the patient's injuries, which included a deep cut on the forehead and deep cuts on both the left and right parietal regions caused by a sharp-edged weapon. The doctor emphasized that the injuries were serious and provided a CT scan film and report as supporting evidence.

The findings of the doctor were revealed in a five-member medical board constituted by the Civil Surgeon after he received a complaint for an inquiry regarding the matter. 

Claiming that the doctor purposely portrayed the patient's injuries as serious, Dr Aulakh has formally requested the Commissioner of Police to pursue legal action against the doctor and has recommended to the Punjab Medical Council (PMC) to remove the doctor's name permanently from their register.

Speaking to The Tribune, the Civil Surgeon said, “It is pertinent to mention that there was neither MLR number nor any signature of the patient was taken. Dr Kathuria did not mention the timing of injuries and kind of weapon used. He did not follow the medico-legal guidelines while preparing the injury report of the patient."

On the other hand, the doctor admitted during the inquiry cross examiantion that he did not prepare the MLR as required and relied solely on a complaint sent to the police. He also admitted that the police did not request for issuing MLR of the patient. He justified his classification of injuries as grievous based on his internship training, which emphasized the seriousness of injuries to vital areas.

The investigation further revealed that the investigating officer from Sarabha Nagar police station failed to produce any medical records supporting the claim that Daljit Singh's injuries were life-threatening. 

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