Varinder Singh Ghuman Death: Doctors' body calls FIR demoralising

The development follows a report that stated that, after examining statements and medical documents, the review board found issues such as a lack of transparency, failure to properly communicate complications, and deviation from established medical protocols. Based on these observations, police have initiated action in the case.

Authorities had constituted a special investigation team along with a panel of medical experts to probe the matter. The findings highlighted procedural shortcomings and improper management of complications, resulting in the case being registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Doctors from orthopaedics, anaesthesia, and cardiology departments have been named in the FIR. According to police sources, the investigation is ongoing, with detailed scrutiny of medical records and statements being carried out to determine accountability, reports The Indian Express.

Dr Divyanshu Gupta, Honorary Secretary, PHANA, informed The Daily that the association does not support the action of registering an FIR, pointing out that medical issues are far more complex to understand, and taking an action without analysing the complexities in depth is “ethically inappropriate and demoralising for the medical fraternity.” He further added that no doctor ever wants to cause harm to their patients and that “every medical procedure, from major surgeries to routine interventions, carries inherent risks, including rare but severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock.”

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that Bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman passed away due to cardiac arrest following a minor surgical procedure at a private hospital in Amritsar. His family and friends staged a protest outside the facility, accusing the doctors of medical negligence. In a viral video, Ghuman’s friends were seen confronting hospital staff and demanding access to operation theatre footage and medical records. They alleged that his body had turned blue, suggesting possible medical negligence. Subsequently The board reviewed medical records summoned from the hospital and recorded statements from the complainant as well as the treating doctors.

Meanwhile, PHANA insisted that human anatomy is a complex system, and despite following protocols and maintaining preventive measures, saving a human being goes beyond their control. It further added that such incidents can trigger fear among the future generation of doctors, discouraging them from pursuing the noble profession. While being compassionate to the complainant’s loss, the association firmly stated that not all deaths should be blamed on medical negligence. Calling for reforms, PHANA urged the government “To revisit and revise existing guidelines on medical negligence to ensure a fair balance between patient rights and the working conditions of doctors”.