Incident Overview
Tenkasi: A private clinic in Adaikalapattinam near Alangulam was sealed by health authorities on Saturday following the death of a 65-year-old woman reportedly during treatment. The woman’s family has alleged that wrong treatment at the facility led to her untimely demise.
The woman was taken to the clinic on Friday for a sore on her left leg, but she reportedly died during treatment, prompting her family to accuse the clinic of medical negligence.
Health Department Inspection
Acting on a complaint, a team led by Joint Director of Health Services P. Premalatha inspected the clinic on Saturday morning. Officials found that the facility:
- Operated without mandatory registration under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments Act
- Lacked a valid drug licence
- Did not stock basic emergency medicines
The clinic had reportedly been functioning for only a few months without fulfilling basic regulatory requirements.
Following these findings, the health department sealed the clinic and initiated an inquiry, under directives from the district administration and local police.
Legal Action
Based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s son Subramanian, the police registered a case against the doctor under Section 194 of the BNSS, according to TNIE reports.
Context: Previous Negligence Cases
Medical Dialogues previously reported cases of medical negligence, such as an obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Government Mother and Child Hospital, Basava Kalyana, who was suspended and transferred after being found guilty of dereliction of duty. The doctor was moved to the Community Health Centre at Kudalasangama, Bagalkot district.
