Gynaecologist gets accused of medical negligence, IMA comes in doctor's support

By MD BureauPublished On 2020-09-30T10:15:38+05:30 | Updated On 2020-09-30T17:30:31+05:30

Gynaecologist gets accused of medical negligence, IMA comes in doctors support

Arunachal Pradesh: In a shocking incident, an Arunachal based gynaecologist doctor faced allegations of medical negligence after a pregnant woman died with her twin unborn children when she was being taken to Tomo Riba Institute of Medical Sciences.

The family of the deceased alleged that the doctor did not give proper attention to the patient in spite of the repeated plea of the family members and even after knowing that she was bleeding and having difficulty in breathing. However, the doctor refused the allegation and stated that all possible measures had been taken by him in order to save the patient.

While IMA AP has expressed their dissatisfaction at the one-sided representation of the story in electronic media and supported the doctor, the Arunachal Pradesh Commission for Women, on the other hand, sought a thorough investigation on the matter and also urged the authorities to take serious steps to avoid such incidents.

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The Dawmlit Post reports that the husband of the patient informed, "she was undergoing treatment under the guidance of Dr Posting from RKMH. The doctor did not respond to repeated calls in the morning when her condition became very critical. We had no option other than rushing her to Heema Hospital." Though the hospital initially admitted the patient, they informed that she had to be transferred to TRIHMS due to the lack of infrastructure and instruments in the hospital. They also tried to reach the doctor of RKMH, but in vain.

Before the patient could be transferred to the hospital, she died on her way along with her unborn babies. The husband of the patient alleged that she could have been saved if the doctor acted timely and with responsibility. However, the hospitals as well as the doctor connected with the case denied the negligence and stated that all possible efforts have been made to save the patient.

Meanwhile, after receiving the reports of the death of a pregnant woman and her two unborn children due to alleged medical negligence, State Commission for Women (APSCW) has sought the status report of the case from the ICR SP "to investigate the medical negligence of the concerned doctor."

APSCW also requested the Arunachal Pradesh Medical Council to initiate an inquiry into the incident as per the rules and guidelines of the council so that these kinds of incidents must be avoided in the future.

Arunachal Times reports that "There were numerous cases regarding medical negligence towards maternity care during pregnancy and childbirth in various hospitals of the state," the commission observed and appealed to the state government to formulate clear guidelines for the safety of pregnant women and their unborn children.

However, the doctor denied the allegations and confirmed that proper steps have been taken regarding the issue. He stated that though he was not 'on Call duty 'that day, after receiving the missed calls and messages of the kin of the patient at 5.30 am, he immediately contacted them. The Indian Medical Association Arunachal Pradesh chapter also extended their support to the doctor and stated that the media should not exercise biasedness while reporting incidents and must give importance to both parties.

According to Arunachal Times, while expressing their utter dismay over the allegations levelled against the doctor, IMA stated that the doctor has already shed light on the incident and said that "With the gynaecology department of the RKMH temporarily closed for 24 hours, the said doctor coordinated with colleagues of Heema and TRIHMS for her admission as she required a multidisciplinary approach. The same was communicated properly to the patient party also." Under such circumstances, he can not be held responsible for the incident.

Urging the electronic media, to "exhibit unbiased and responsible journalism", IMA AP further added that the "Media trial in a public forum or social media platform of the medical fraternity in general and a senior, hardworking doctor of such repute and status is uncalled for. Without knowing the truth, labeling someone as negligent is really demoralizing", reports a daily.

MD Bureau

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