Madras HC seeks counter affidavit on plea alleging medical negligence in woman's death

Madurai: In a case alleging medical negligence in the death of a 35-year-old anganwadi worker, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday directed the Tamil Nadu Health Department to file a counter affidavit on a petition seeking action against doctors at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Ramanathapuram. 

Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy issued the direction while hearing a petition filed by a resident of Palkarai village in Ramanathapuram district and the husband of the deceased. The petitioner has sought an inquiry into the medical treatment administered to his wife, the production of all relevant medical records, an independent postmortem examination, and disciplinary action against the doctors allegedly responsible for her death.

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According to the petition, the woman was admitted to the hospital for a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. She was taken for surgery on May 21, but was allegedly brought out unconscious after the procedure. The petitioner claimed that she remained in a coma for nearly four weeks before succumbing on June 16.

The petitioner further alleged that hospital authorities failed to provide adequate information regarding her treatment and had not furnished complete medical records despite repeated requests. He also claimed that a postmortem examination was conducted without obtaining his consent and argued that the procedure was arranged by doctors in an attempt to shield themselves from potential liability.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that a protest erupted outside the Ramanathapuram Government Medical College Hospital after a woman died during treatment for a sinus infection, with her relatives demanding action against the doctors involved, officials said.

Additional Advocate General P V Balasubramaniam, appearing for the state, stated the postmortem was conducted after due intimation to the police. It was further submitted that all medical records, from the date of admission until her demise, would be duly indexed and produced before the court, and copies thereof would also be furnished to the petitioner, reports TNIE.

During the hearing, the court was also informed that the woman’s mortal remains had not yet been collected. The judge permitted the petitioner to take custody of the body and perform the last rites. A compliance report on the matter has been directed to be filed before the court.

According to TNIE, “The question of appointment of an independent medical board and the grant of interim or final compensation will be decided after the state has placed its version,” the court added.

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