Chargesheet filed against Chandigarh doctor for alleged medical negligence in woman's death case

Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Police have filed a chargesheet against a doctor in connection with the alleged medical negligence that led to the death of a 74-year-old woman at a private hospital, while three other doctors named during the investigation have been given a clean chit due to lack of evidence.

According to a news report, the chargesheet, filed on Friday, names the treating doctor under Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for causing death by negligence. However, police concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute any other hospital staff.

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Medical Dialogues had previously reported that two doctors from Landmark Hospital, Sector 33, have been booked for medical negligence leading to a patient's death. Police registered the FIR against these two doctors eight months after the 74-year-old patient died.

According to the complaint filed by the deceased's son, the woman suffered a leg fracture on March 16, 2024, and underwent surgery at the private hospital. He alleged that he had requested the treating doctors to use the best available MRI-compatible implant during the procedure. The patient was discharged the following day.

The complainant further alleged that when the woman returned to the hospital on April 3 with disorientation and critically low sodium levels, she was not admitted despite her deteriorating condition. The following day, she reportedly suffered seizures and was admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32.

The family further alleged that doctors at GMCH required written confirmation that the implant used during surgery was MRI-compatible before conducting an MRI scan. Despite repeated requests, Landmark Hospital allegedly failed to provide the required certification, resulting in delays in diagnostic investigations. The woman later died while undergoing treatment.

During the investigation, police examined medical records from Landmark Hospital, GMCH-32, Satyam Clinical Laboratory, witness statements and the findings of the UT medical board.

According to hospital records submitted to investigators, the woman was advised to be admitted when she visited Landmark Hospital on April 3. However, the records stated that she declined admission. Police also seized the discharge summary and counselling documents related to her treatment.

Investigators also reviewed audio transcripts in which one of the doctors, who was previously named in the case, reportedly stated that the implant was MRI-compatible but that written certification would have to be obtained in person. Another doctor maintained that only the implant manufacturer could issue an MRI compatibility certificate.

The chargesheet extensively relies on the opinion of the UT medical board, which observed that the woman developed low serum sodium and disorientation about 15 days after surgery. The committee noted she was advised admission at the treating hospital but was subsequently admitted to GMCH. It further observed that an MRI compatibility certificate should ideally be issued by the implant manufacturer, which would know the material used in the implant, reports Hindustan Times.

Police further obtained clarification from GMCH, which stated that Kaur died due to septic shock resulting from ventilator-associated pneumonia in a patient with a seizure disorder. The hospital also noted that although her sodium level was critically low on admission, it had been corrected during treatment.

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