Punjab forms 10-member doctor panel to investigate Varinder Singh Ghuman's death

The panel has been directed to submit its report within 15 days after examining the facts. This committee comprises 10 medical officers and doctors. This committee was formed after the Indian Medical Association (IMA) raised objections to the preliminary inquiry report. 

According to news reports, the panel includes- Dr. Subhash, Deputy Director of DHC; Dr. Renu, Assistant Director of DHC; Dr. G.S. Wander (DM, Cardiology), Director-Principal of DMC Ludhiana and Chairman of the Board of Management at BFUHS; Dr. Saurabh Sharma (DM, Cardiology) of GMC Patiala; Dr. Srinivas Reddy (DM, Cardiology) of PGI Chandigarh; Dr. Sandeep Palta (MS) of GMCH Chandigarh; Dr. R.P.S. Sibia (MD, Medicine), Director-Principal of GMC Patiala; Dr. Akashdeep Agarwal (MD, Forensic Medicine) of GMC Patiala; Dr. Amandeep Singh Bakshi (MS, Ortho) of GMC Patiala; and Dr. Rakesh Arora (MD, Medicine), a member of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

Meanwhile, the committee has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation into all aspects of the matter, including the treatment protocol and the facilities available at the hospital. Should any negligence or lapse be detected during the investigation, the committee will also determine accountability.

However, officials stated that a few days after his death, based on the findings of a previous inquiry committee, a case of "negligence" was registered against four doctors at the city's Fortis Escorts Hospital, which had led to his death.

In this regard, an order was issued on Wednesday by the Director of the Punjab Department of Health and Family Welfare, according to a report by HT.

Dr RS Sethi, President of the IMA's Punjab chapter, stated that no representative of the Association was included in the previous committee, which was contrary to the rules. He further added that a member of the organisation has now been included in the newly constituted committee. The previous committee had found evidence of negligence on the part of the hospital.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that Bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman passed away due to cardiac arrest following a minor surgical procedure at a private hospital in Amritsar. His family and friends staged a protest outside the facility, accusing the doctors of medical negligence. In a viral video, Ghuman’s friends were seen confronting hospital staff and demanding access to operation theatre footage and medical records. They alleged that his body had turned blue, suggesting possible medical negligence. Subsequently, the board reviewed medical records summoned from the hospital and recorded statements from the complainant as well as the treating doctors.