Karnataka DME suspends HoD Gynaecology, resident doctors, nurse over illegal abortions, maternal deaths
Doctor Suspended
Bengaluru: On the charges of corruption, harassment, and medical negligence leading to maternal deaths, the Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, along with two senior residents and a staff nurse at Gosha Hospital, has been suspended by the Department of Medical Education.
The Government Haji Sir Ismail Sait (HSIS) Gosha Hospital is situated in Shivajinagar and operates under the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College and Research Institute (SABVMCRI).
The DME has suspended the doctors after an internal inquiry was launched against the Professor and Head of the OB-GYN Department, following complaints from patients and staff.
As per the latest media report by Deccan Herald, during the inquiry, it was found that the HoD had conducted illegal abortions and unnecessary hysterectomies, and also violated medical guidelines in Caesarean deliveries, induction of labour, and tubal sterilisation.
Regarding the involvement of the resident doctors, the inquiry report mentioned that a senior resident on contract and a classmate of HoD, lacked knowledge of LaQshya guidelines, which is a national programme for improving maternity care and reducing maternal and infant deaths. Despite this, she allegedly attended several delivery cases that led to complications and deaths.
Another senior resident has also been accused of violating medical protocols. Allegedly, she performed a hysterectomy on a 29-year-old woman and, along with HoD and was held responsible for the patient's death on August 20 due to medical negligence.
The inquiry report further said that HoD was abusive towards interns and postgraduate students and allegedly forced them to collect money on her behalf. She allegedly also tried to mislead the National Medical Commission by classifying normal deliveries as gynaecological cases to secure more postgraduate seats for Gosha Hospital.
Meanwhile, the report also held a contract nurse accountable. It has been reported that the nurse was found transferring medical equipment from Gosha to private hospitals. Further, the investigators also discovered unusual online transactions on GPay and PhonePe between the nurse and the HoD.
Apart from this, the report also found fault in the role of the Medical Superintendent, for failing to ensure adherence to medical protocol, and Dean and Director of SABVMCRI, for not enforcing LaQshya compliance for the last two years and conducting evaluations of employees. He was also found responsible for appointing the accused senior residents.
Commenting on the issue, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Medical Education, Mohammad Moushin, said that all those involved had been suspended. He also assured to take stricter measures to prevent such irregularities.
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