Chandigarh: Two doctors from Landmark Hospital in Sector 33 have been booked for alleged medical negligence that led to the death of a 74-year-old patient. The FIR, registered under Section 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code, comes eight months after the incident.
Allegations of Negligence
The complainant accused Dr. Harsimran Singh and Dr. Parminder Singh of using a substandard implant despite charging ₹50,000 for a high-quality product. He further alleged that the hospital engaged in unethical practices and failed to provide adequate post-operative care.
The patient’s son stated, “The negligence caused my mother immense suffering and ultimately her death. I urge authorities to cancel the hospital’s license to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.”
Timeline of Events
- March 16: The elderly patient was admitted for a femur fracture surgery. The family requested an MRI-compatible implant, which the hospital assured would be provided.
- March 18: The patient was discharged, allegedly without adequate monitoring or post-operative care.
- April 3: The patient was readmitted with disorientation and critically low sodium levels. Despite her condition, the doctors sent her home after prescribing medications.
- April 4: The patient suffered seizures and was admitted to the ICU at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, where she was placed on a ventilator.
The complainant alleged that Landmark Hospital refused to confirm MRI compatibility of the implant, which delayed critical investigations at GMCH. The patient succumbed to her condition 12 days later.
Findings of the Medical Board
The Chandigarh Medical Board, led by Dr. AK Attri, Director-Principal of GMCH-32, investigated the case and found evidence of:
- Use of a substandard implant.
- Premature discharge of the patient.
- Lack of cooperation from the doctors.
- Neglect in addressing the patient’s low sodium levels.
The board noted that the hospital failed to provide documentation regarding the patient’s readmission advice and the alleged refusal by the family to comply.
Police Action
After legal scrutiny and senior officer reviews, the FIR was filed on December 18 at Sector 34 police station. The investigation is being handled by Assistant Sub-Inspector Bala.
This case has sparked concerns about accountability and the quality of care in private hospitals.
