Uttarakhand: Govt Doctor attended minor patient in inebriated state, probe ordered
Dehradun: A doctor working at the emergency ward of the District Hospital Almora in Uttarakhand allegedly treated a minor patient in a drunken condition following which officials ordered a probe.
The incident took place around 1.30 am on August 24 and a video of the incident went viral on social media following which the officials ordered a probe into the incident. The child was taken to the hospital because of a high fever and cough.
The video shows the family members of the patient accusing the doctor of being drunk while on duty at night. The kin alleged that the doctor was "barely conscious and was not even able to write down the prescription clearly." They further alleged that the doctors misbehaved with them.
When the relatives of the patient confronted the medical staff about this, they told the Times of India that the staff "tried to protect the doctor and didn't reveal his name and said that he was unwell." They questioned the staff about the arrangements present in the district hospital. They subsequently took their child to another hospital for treatment.
Dr. Kusum Lata, medical superintendent, Almora district hospital said, "The incident was brought to our attention and an inquiry has been ordered. The family hasn't filed a complaint yet. Prima facie, it seems that the doctor, identified as Dr. Udbhav Singh, was unwell and had taken medicine that made him drowsy. However, a probe is still underway."
According to sources, he has been sent on leave however some claimed that he had taken sick leave. Officials at higher positions have reportedly taken cognizance of the situation. The director general, health, Dr. Shailja Bhatt said, "Thorough action will be taken against anyone found negligent. Statements will be taken from the staff on duty and family members of the patient."
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