Alleged medical negligence during family planning surgery at Govt hospital, Madras HC orders inquiry

The order came following an incident in which a woman lost consciousness after undergoing pregnancy termination and family planning surgery at Bodinayakanur Government Hospital.

Justice GR Swaminathan stressed the imperative need to ensure the woman's recovery and emphasized the government's distinct and significant role in this case. The court underlined the government's responsibility to ensure that the patient received care until her full recovery.

The court directed the Director of Medical and Rural Health Services to initiate an inquiry into the matter. An expert committee will be formed with the specific purpose of determining if any medical negligence occurred during the surgical procedure. The court set a timeline of six weeks for the submission of the inquiry report.

The court's decision was reached during a hearing of a petition filed by the woman's husband. The petitioner sought legal action against the authorities of Bodinayakanur Government Hospital, alleging medical negligence in the family planning surgery performed on his wife. The woman, who was expecting her third child, decided to terminate her pregnancy. The couple was informed of the district administration's plans to hold a Family Planning camp at Bodinayakanur Government Hospital.

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On June 14, the petitioner's wife was admitted to the hospital, where the pregnancy was terminated, and the family planning surgery was completed. However, after being transferred from the operating theater, the woman lost consciousness. Due to the absence of ventilator facilities at the local hospital, she was swiftly transported to Theni Government Medical College and Hospital.

The petitioner demanded improved medical treatment for his wife and alleged that the incident resulted from medical negligence. He urged for appropriate action to be taken against the authorities of Bodinayakanur Government Hospital.

Justice GR Swaminathan acknowledged the critical need for immediate medical attention for the petitioner's wife, considering the inadequacy of essential facilities at Theni Hospital. Subsequently, the court instructed officials to promptly relocate the patient to the Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital in Chennai, emphasizing the provision of appropriate treatment for the woman.

The judge emphasized that the government held a unique responsibility in this situation, particularly because the incident transpired in a government hospital during a government-supported camp. The New Indian Express reports that after a conversation with the woman's doctor over the phone, it was evident that the woman required rehabilitation and that the necessary facilities were lacking at Theni Hospital. Therefore, the judge issued the aforementioned directives and noted that the petitioner retained the option to pursue compensation in court, regardless of the findings in the inquiry report.