Fortis Hospital faces inquiry over negligence allegations after patient's death
Medical Negligence
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered an inquiry into allegations of medical negligence in patient care and irregularities at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, following a complaint received during a public hearing.
The complaint was submitted at the Mukhyamantri Jan Seva Sadan by the family of a young man, who alleged that he died after his treatment was delayed. According to the family, the youth sustained stab injuries in Shalimar Bagh and was rushed to the hospital, where the treatment was allegedly delayed due to payment-related issues.
Acting on the complaint, the Chief Minister ordered a formal investigation into the matter. Subsequently, a multi-departmental inspection team led by Central-North District Magistrate S.S. Parihar visited the hospital on Thursday. Officials from the health department, municipal corporation, fire services, and other agencies were part of the inspection team.
According to officials, the inspection revealed several irregularities, including alleged violations of building by-laws, illegal construction, deficiencies in fire safety measures, misuse of basement areas, and lapses in compliance with standard operating procedures governing medical treatment.
The inquiry team also examined CCTV footage related to the incident flagged by the family. Officials said the footage showed that the injured youth walked into the hospital’s emergency department on his own, suggesting that timely medical intervention could have potentially improved his chances of survival.
Authorities also examined records maintained by the hospital’s emergency department as part of the inquiry. District Magistrate Parihar said that in view of the irregularities identified and the alleged lapses in patient care, appropriate action against the hospital would be initiated. He added that a detailed report is currently being prepared.
Meanwhile, speaking to The Indian Express, the hospital said, “Fortis remains committed to the highest standards of patient care, clinical excellence, and regulatory compliance. We will review the details once formally shared with us and extend our full cooperation to the authorities. Patient safety and well-being continue to be our foremost priority.”
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