PHC doctor faces medical negligence allegations after dismissing pregnancy

Erode: A doctor at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Siruvalur has come under scrutiny after allegedly telling a pregnant woman that she was not pregnant and attributing her abdominal swelling to bloating.

The woman later underwent a scan at a private hospital, which confirmed that she was four months pregnant. This discrepancy has led to serious allegations of medical negligence.

According to the news reports, the 28-year-old woman had been receiving regular prenatal care at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ayalur, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Siruvalur Block PHC in Gobichettipalayam. As part of routine procedures to monitor foetal development, she was referred to the Siruvalur PHC for a follow-up evaluation.

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A few days ago, during her visit to the Siruvalur centre, a trainee doctor examined the woman and informed her that she was not pregnant, claiming the abdominal swelling was due to bloating. Shocked and confused, the couple sought a second opinion at a private hospital in Gobichettipalayam, where an ultrasound scan confirmed that she was four months pregnant and the fetus was developing normally.

The couple has since raised allegations of medical negligence against the doctor at the Siruvalur PHC, saying their repeated efforts to meet or speak with the medical officer in question were unsuccessful. They have demanded that appropriate action be taken by the health authorities.

Speaking to the Hindu, Deputy Director of Health Services P. Aruna said that the doctor had cited poor abdominal visibility during the scan as the reason for the confusion. She added that an inquiry was underway.

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