Negligence led to Teenager's Death: BHMS doctor booked for Culpable Homicide

Navi Mumbai: A Homeopathy doctor in Vishnu Nagar, Digha, has been booked on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder after a 13-year-old girl he allegedly treated unfortunately died in 2023. Investigations revealed that the girl died after the doctor administered allopathic injections and medications to her.

As per police protocol, cases of medical negligence are always referred to a medical board. In this instance, the board, after careful investigation, confirmed negligence on the part of the doctor in the teenager's treatment. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the doctor, despite lacking qualifications in allopathy, prescribed allopathic medicines and administered injections to the girl, resulting in seizure episodes and foaming at the mouth.

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In response to the board's findings, the police registered a case against the doctor under section 304 (2) of the IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder). As a result, the doctor is booked now, however, he is yet to be arrested in this regard.

As per a Free Press Journal news report, the history of the incident dates back to two and a half years ago in 2023, when the teenager was taken to Sai Sanjivani Clinic in Digha on September 16, 2023, after she developed a fever, vomiting, and dizziness. There, her family sought treatment from the accused, identified as Dr Himat Alchouni, a BHMS-qualified doctor practicing homeopathy.

Considering her condition, the doctor reportedly administered injections and allopathic tablets to the girl before sending her home. The doctor lacked knowledge of allopathic treatment and, despite not having a degree in allopathy, proceeded with the treatment.

According to the police, shortly after taking the medication, the family alleged that the girl developed seizures and began foaming at the mouth. Alarmed by her worsening condition, her family rushed her back to the same clinic at around 10:45 PM. The doctor then advised them to take her to a bigger hospital, but before they could do so, the girl had already died.

Accusing the doctor of medical negligence, the family then filed a complaint at the police station against the doctor. After registration of the case, the police referred the case further to the medical board, which confirmed the doctor's wrongdoing.

“As per the protocol, when the family alleges negligence, we refer the case to medical board for expert advice. The board after their investigation concluded negligence on the part of Dr. Alchouni, and accordingly we registered the case and the further investigations are on,” senior police inspector Sunil Waghmare from Rabale MIDC police station said.

Further, an investigation and legal proceedings are underway.

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