Patient Dies After Delayed Treatment
Udupi: A case of medical negligence has been registered against three doctors at a private hospital in Karkala following the death of a patient on the operating table. The family alleges that a delay of nearly 3.5 hours in treatment contributed to her death.
Patient’s Family Alleges Inaction
The deceased patient had been under treatment at the hospital since May 10. On May 14, when her condition worsened, she was brought back at 9:30 am. Despite repeated requests, no doctor examined her for several hours, according to her family, delaying urgent medical intervention.
Emergency Surgery Attempted
It was only around 1 pm that doctors examined her and advised immediate surgery. During the operation, the family was told she needed to be shifted to another hospital. Later, they were informed that she had passed away during the procedure.
Official Inquiry Ordered
Following the complaint, the Deputy Commissioner of Udupi ordered a detailed inquiry. The report, submitted by Dr H Ashok, District Surgeon of Government District Hospital, Udupi, revealed serious lapses by the treating doctors.
Lapses Highlighted in Report
The inquiry concluded that the doctors failed to take essential precautionary measures before surgery and did not keep the patient’s relatives informed despite having ample time. Written statements from the doctors confirmed the patient died during the operation.
Prima Facie Medical Negligence Found
The report stated that prima facie medical negligence on the part of the surgeons was evident. Based on these findings, Karkala Town police registered a case against the doctors under Section 106 (causing death by negligence) read with 3(5) of the BNS.
Timeline of the Incident
According to the TOI report, the patient arrived at the hospital around 9:30 am with severe abdominal pain. She was administered intravenous fluids, but no examination was conducted until 1 pm. She was then taken for emergency surgery, attended by the three accused doctors, and passed away around 4 pm.
Investigation Underway
Following the family’s complaint, the deceased patient’s doctor filed a case against the accused doctors. The police investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged medical negligence and ensure accountability.
